The Shortcomings of Models

(Cyber-Physical system a study case)

Abstract

System design starts with specifications as a first step; hence, the correct specifications need a valid model that can capture the aspects of the system. The fundamental difference between systems has led to a variety of Models of Computation (MoCs), therefore, no model can specify all systems individually and more than one model is needed to achieve that. The Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs) is a special case of a complex system, for several reasons; it is a heterogeneous, interactional system and time is a critical parameter in it. On the other hand, CPS is an edge system in new-generation information technologies such as IoT, big data, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), etc. Therefore, for CPS system design, a special kind of model is required which needs to be more flexible and have a great ability to specify heterogeneous systems. This paper points out the shortcomings in MoCs through a proposed criterion based on the system’s mathematical fundamentals. The results of applying this criterion to most common MoCs show the structural defect in MoCs, and the reasons for their limitations in designing CPS systems. Finally, some examples are introduced as study cases to confirm the results of this criterion.