AUTOSAR versus OPC-UA: from theory to practice to describe a system architecture

Abstract

Two main architecture standardizations are being developed in parallel: AUTOSAR for automotive and OPC-UA for industrial systems. There is neither cooperation between both standards nor activities trying to join standardization efforts. This thesis provides a short introduction to systems engineering and system architecture. In addition, it describes the well-established AUTomotive Open System Architecture (AUTOSAR) and, the widely spread OPC Unified Architecture (OPC-UA). Both standards are briefly compared. This thesis shows how model complex systems are specified and modelled using first a system engineering classical approach, and second established industry standards to model system architectures. A case study of this master thesis “An autonomous mini truck pickuPDelivery fleet”, models the system using AUTOSAR and OPC-UA, and provides a proposal for an optimal architectural description using the best of each standard. This master thesis has contributed to understand the differences between AUTOSAR and OPC-UA, providing system architects the necessary background to decide on the best standard for their component design and implementation.