Architecting an MBSE Black-Box System Model for the Physical Layer of a Visible Light Intersatellite Communication System

Fast and reliable high-speed intersatellite communication (ISC) between small satellites is dependent on the physical layer (PL) design of the onboard communication system. However, as with nonlegacy systems, the lack of architecture and design information pertaining to the development of the PL of an LED-based visible light communication (VLC) system for ISC poses significant challenges to architecting the communication system. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach to the specification of the system design. To this end, we explore the use of model-based systems engineering (MBSE) principles in mitigating the design complexity of the PL architecture for the VLC system. Design concerns and gaps are addressed by developing an executable black-box system model that specifies the conceptual architecture of the system, and a parametric model that analyzes multiple system configurations based on generated values for the signal-to-noise ratio and bit error rate parameters. We utilize the structural, behavioral, and parametric semantics of SysML to define, specify, visualize, and analyze the various system design configurations. The resulting PL black-box system specification is verified through model execution.