Automated Transformation of a Domain-Specific Language for System Modeling to Stochastic Colored Petri Nets

Petri Net models are widely recognized for their ability to analyze concurrent, stochastic processes based on a solid mathematical foundation. However, one drawback of Petri Nets is their low-level abstraction: they offer only a few basic elements like places and transitions to represent all system components. While this limitation may not be an issue when working with small models, it becomes challenging when attempting to model larger processes or systems. As the complexity increases, the number of elements in the Petri Net also grows, making it difficult to distinguish and maintain them effectively. Furthermore, Petri Nets require verification to ensure that they accurately represent the behavior of the system they are intended to model. This verification process must be repeated whenever a model is created or modified. To address these challenges, this paper describes a Stochastic colored Petri Net semantics of a domain-specific language that allows modeling time-based hardware and software systems. We have developed a custom Eclipse-based framework that allows for both graphical and textual modeling, providing editors with useful features such as real-time validation of model constraints, which is not feasible at the low-level Petri Net abstraction due to the lack of contextual information. The DSL also offers the advantage of easy conversion from other modeling languages thanks to an intermediate language. From the model, valid Stochastic Colored Petri Nets (SCPNs) can be generated, which can automatically simulate certain system properties consistently. This approach aims to enhance modeling capabilities and alleviate some of the limitations associated with traditional Petri Nets.