Use of a prototype CACE integration framework based on the unified information model

Individual CACSD tools offer specialised functionality to the tool users. Within the context of a CACSD design, however, the need for additional project-related functionality arises. One such task involves the exchange of information between different tools without user involvement in the process. Also, keeping track of a project´s steps is a desired quality for the environment. Neither of the two requirements can be directly attributed to the responsibility of any CACSD tool. An integrated CACE environment provides a solution to both problems by supplying additional communication and storage services to the CACSD tools integrated in the environment. This paper presents the operation of a prototype CACE environment which has been based on the unified information model, an information model which records the data structures involved in the complete CACSD life cycle. The environment´s services are explored and their contribution to assisting the engineer´s task is outlined