Creating and managing systems engineering models > Creating a functional model

Creating a functional model

After you define the design requirements, the next step is to create functional models. You can create these in Teamcenter Integration or directly in Mechatronics Concept Designer. In either case, it is recommended that you follow a consistent approach to define the functional model.

Recommended function structure

An example of a function structure is a hierarchy with the following groups:

Function groups — define a broad idea of the tasks that need to be completed.
Function subgroups — detail subtasks that accomplish the broad idea.
Function units — specific tasks that accomplish the subtask.

Functional units — the basic model element

The basic elements of these models are called functional units. They:

Contain data from multiple disciplines.
Provide a dedicated interface.
Contain sensors and actuators that change and measure physical values.

Example: factory model decomposition

A simplified factory model example demonstrates functional decomposition:

Function
└─ Load Packages
   ├─ Create Packages
   ├─ Transport Packages
   ├─ Detect Missed Packages
   ├─ Remove Missed Packages
   └─ Count Missed Packages

This illustrates how a top-level function ("Load Packages") decomposes into a set of sibling sub-functions, each representing a discrete task in the overall process.

Linking functions to requirements and to each other

Note: Functions can be linked to requirements, or to each other, in Teamcenter Integration or directly in Mechatronics Concept Designer.

This is the functional-model half of the requirements→functions→logical traceability chain described in the Systems engineering models workflow: requirements drive the definition of functions (see "Derive Function" command on a requirement, and the "Start Tracelink" command), and functions are further associated with logical blocks that accomplish them.

For additional information on creating functional models (in either Teamcenter Integration or directly in MCD), refer to the Requirements Manager Guide section of the Teamcenter Integration Help documentation.

Related Concepts

Function shortcut commands

Related Tasks

Create a function
Import a function from Teamcenter
Hide the functional structure

Related Reference

Function dialog box