Protocols

Specification and description language (SDL) is an object-oriented, formal language defined by ITU�T as recommendation Z.100. The language is intended for the specification of complex, event-driven, real-time, and interactive applications that communicate using discrete signals. It enables presentation of real-time systems in a graphical form where the model is based on communicating processes (extended finite state machines) using object oriented description of SDL components.

SDL to C++ code converter is aimed in particular at communication protocol software development. The suite is designed to support major features of SDL-92 which introduced Object Oriented features to evolve the initial SDL-88. In addition, Z_GEN suite supports several new SDL concepts known as SDL-96. Evolving to SDL-2000 would require no major re-design but upgrade only.

Z_GEN key features include:

• Capable to describe structure, behaviour and data of a system
• Complex SDL data definitions allowed to be written in C++ language directly
• Decisions made during code generation instead of making macros like other similar tools
• Generated C++ code is well structured and user readable
• Generated C++ code allowed to debug
• SDL *.pr files converted into C++ project files
• Final Z_GEN output includes an executable representation of a user designed SDL protocol model

Also available is Zesium Test Tool designed to enable a remote end user to test the SDL System by means of test scenarios drawn as MSC using any of the standard compliant MSC Graphical Editors.

The framework is aimed to facilitate porting of communication protocol software, written in C++ onto selected target platforms. FMED consists of 2 layers: lower layer (L1) which is to act like a glue layer to the native platform and is to have a unique interface to be used by application developers, regardless of the operating system, and upper layer (L2) designed as FSM. Target platforms include but are not limited to: Windows Mobile, Embedded Linux, Symbian, APOXI.