Model-Based Testing and Validation with Reactis®

Reactis® is an embedded-software design automation (ESDA) tool suite supporting the efficient production of high-quality control software. Reactis currently consists of three main components: Reactis Tester, Reactis Simulator, and Reactis Validator.

Reactis Tester automatically generates test suites from Simulink®/Stateflow® models of embedded control software. The test suites provide comprehensive coverage of different test-quality criteria, while at the same time minimizing redundancy in tests.

Reactis Simulator enables users to visualize execution of Simulink/Stateflow models. Simulator's user interface is similar to those of traditional debuggers from programming languages: it enables users to execute their models step-by-step (or even block-by-block), as well as set breakpoints. Simulator can also:

• step backwards through a simulation
• enable controlled replay of tests generated by Reactis Tester
• present a graphical display of different coverage criteria
• fine-tune Tester-generated test suites.

Reactis Validator performs automated searches of models to find violations of user-specified requirements. If Validator finds a violation of a requirement, it creates a test that demonstrates the violation of that requirement. This test may then be executed in Reactis Simulator to gain an understanding of the sequence of events that leads to the problem. This tool enables the early detection of design errors and inconsistencies, and reduces the manual effort required for design reviews.

The Reactis for C Plugin integrates seamlessly with Reactis to offer white-box testing of the C code portions of a model (S-Functions or Stateflow custom code). The Plugin enables you to generate tests that target coverage targets (Statement, Decision, Condition, MC/DC) within your C code. When using the Plugin with Reactis Simulator, you in effect have an advanced C debugger integrated within the model execution environment. You can step directly from Simulink or Stateflow into the C code.

Reactis for C brings many of features of Reactis to projects that do not use Simulink. Instead, this version of Reactis may be applied directly to the C code that implements an application. You can generate tests from C code, detect run-time errors, track coverage: (Statement, Decision, Condition, MC/DC). When an error is detected, you can replay a concrete execution sequence leading to the problem in order to understand, diagnose, and fix the bug.

Reactis runs on both the 32- and 64-bit versions of the following operating systems: Windows 2000, XP, Vista, and 7.

Your system should satisfy the following minimum requirements:

• At least 512 MB RAM (more is required for large models)
• At least 140 MB free disk space
• MATLAB and Simulink installed
• An installed Ethernet card
• 64-bit Reactis requires 64-bit Windows and MATLAB

You may obtain a free 30-day fully-functional evaluation licenses for Reactis as follows:

1. Go to http://www.reactive-systems.com/login.msp
2. Click the form link and fill out the brief registration form. When you submit the form, a login password will be emailed to you.
3. Use the password to log in at the URL from step 1.
4. You will then see directions for downloading and running the installer.
5. After running the installer, you then email a license file template to help@reactive-systems.com, which we will digitally sign and return to you.
6. Upon copying this license file to the appropriate location, you will then be up and running.

Reactis supports R13, R14, R2006a, R2006b, R2007a, R2007b, R2008a, R2008b, R2009a, R2009b, R2010a.

Yes, Reactive Systems offers one- and two-day Reactis training courses delivered by a qualified instructor at your site. The hands-on courses include numerous exercises to introduce engineers to model-based testing and validation with Reactis. No prior experience with Reactis is required.

Two mailing lists are available. How to subscribe is described here.

• Reactis Communicator is a low volume mailing list for that announces major Reactis releases and developments. Postings occur three or four times a year.
• Reactis Patches is a medium volume mailing list that announces every Reactis patch when it becomes available. Postings occur every 6 to 8 weeks.

Please see the description of version numbering here.

Contact Reactive Systems Inc.; see contact info.