- Table of contents
- System Architecture
System Architecture¶
Communication Of Your High-Level System Design¶
System Architecture Diagrams, aka Block Diagrams, are used to communicate how ALL the pieces/subsystems/functions of your design go together to solve the problem.
- Show Major Overall System Elements / Functions
- Show Interfaces / Interconnections Between Elements
- Where Appropriate, Show Data Flow Between Elements
- Can Be Used to Show Before and After Situations
- Indicate What Is Removed, What is Added, What is Changed
- Can Show Organization of Elements
- Examples Found by Searching for “block diagram for __”
Apply to All Fields of Engineering!
It is generally difficult and confusing to show physical parts, data flow, power, user input on a single diagram. So DON'T try. Instead, use multiple sheets/slides/images to separate these diagrams.
Types of diagrams¶
- Flow chart for software or production process or decision making
- Mechanical drawing to show interconnection of physical parts
- Schematic to show connection of electrical components
- Block diagram to show high level connection of mechanical or electrical components
Tips¶
- Annotate All items in the diagram. This means descriptive words with a link pointing to the thing it references.
- Provide explanation of how system addresses the Engineering Definition of Problem
- Provide brief explanation of operation
Examples¶
Process Diagram
Mechanical Diagram
Internet of Things (IoT) diagram
Internet of Things (IoT) diagram