AdvancedTopic 75 of 102Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems
V-model and lifecycle
Link development phases with corresponding test phases.
In depth
The V-model pairs each design stage with a test stage: requirements↔acceptance test, system design↔system test, subsystem design↔integration test, detailed design↔unit test. Emphasises early test planning and traceability. Iterative and agile approaches adapt the model to software and rapid change.
Key points
- Verification vs validation
- Left side decomposition, right side integration
- Milestone reviews (PDR, CDR)
ExampleAutomotive ECU development follows a V-model with HIL tests on the right.
What is V-model and lifecycle?
Link development phases with corresponding test phases.
Why is it important to understand V-model and lifecycle?
The V-model links each development stage with a matching test stage, so testing is planned from the start and not left until the end.
What does the left side of the V represent?
Decomposition from requirements through architecture to detailed design, with each level specifying the next.
What does the right side represent?
Integration and testing that verifies each level against its matching specification, from unit tests up to system acceptance.
How is V-model and lifecycle used in practice?
Typical applications include planning acceptance tests for a system while its requirements are written, mapping component tests to the design stages of an aircraft and reviewing the test plan for a medical device before design freeze.
What should I learn before V-model and lifecycle?
Study "Systems engineering" first (topic 74 of 102 in Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.
What are the key points of V-model and lifecycle?
Verification vs validation. Left side decomposition, right side integration. Milestone reviews (PDR, CDR).
Can you give an example of V-model and lifecycle?
Automotive ECU development follows a V-model with HIL tests on the right.
What comes after V-model and lifecycle?
The next topic is "Requirements and traceability", which builds directly on this one.
How difficult is V-model and lifecycle?
It is classed as Advanced in Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems (topic 75 of 102). It is an advanced topic. It assumes you are comfortable with the intermediate topics in Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems.