Specifying and Analyzing Networked and Layered Control Systems Operating on Multiple Clocks

Abstract: We consider the problem of reasoning about networked and layered control systems using assume-guarantee specifications. As these systems are formed by the interconnection of components that operate under various clocks, we introduce a new logic, Multiclock Logic (MCL), to be able to express the requirements of components form the point of view of their local clocks. Specifying components locally promotes independent design and component reuse. We carry out a contract-based analysis of a control system implemented via two control algorithms (model predictive control and feedback linearization) running on their own processors and clocks. Then we implement each of the contracts to build a system. The system performs as desired when the requirements derived from our system-level analysis are respected. Violating the constraints required by the contract-based analysis of the system leads to error.