The Rugby Model: a conceptual frame for the study of modelling, analysis and synthesis concepts of electronic systems

We propose a conceptual framework, called the Rugby Model, in which designs, design processes and design tools can be studied. It is an extension of the Y chart and adds two dimensions for design representation, namely Data and Tune. The behavioural domain of Y chart is replaced by a more restricted domain called Computation. The structural and physical domains of Y chart are merged into a more general domain called Communication. A fifth dimension deals with design manipulations and transformations at three abstraction levels. The model shall establish a common understanding of modelling and design process concepts for communication and education in the community. In a case study we illustrate how a design can be characterized with the concepts the Rugby model.