# A Model-Based Engineering Approach for Evaluating Software-Defined Radio Architecture
## 1 Introduction  
As technology continues to advance and the complexity of operating environments increases, creating good systems architecture becomes increasingly complex. A digital engineering (DE) approach leverages data, models, and information in a digital environment to support all activities throughout the lifecycle of a product, process, or system. The digital thread is a digital communication framework that connects authoritative sources of information in well-packaged, fit-for-purpose, and standards-based formats. DE and the digital thread have attracted significant interest in the defense, automotive, and energy industries. Digital twins are often a key part of the DE environment. They are a virtual representation of physical systems or processes that enable performance predictions and optimization while maintaining synchronization with the physical system or process throughout its lifecycle [1]. While these terms have been well defined by multiple sources, such as the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), there is a need for new and innovative approaches for effectively implementing DE at an organizational level for digital transformation. The creation and use of digital twins are not new and are based on established theories in multiple fields such as data science, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), andinternet of things (IoT). However, these fields are advancing rapidly, and DE methods and frameworks must be updated to keep pace. Model-Based Engineering (MBE) is a software-driven approach to system and product development that emphasizes the use of models and simulations throughout the product lifecycle. MBE seeks to automate and streamline the engineering development process by leveraging digital technologies and data-driven methods. MBE can fit into digital engineering by providing a comprehensive and integrated view of a product, from business analysis to retirement, across the lifecycle. By using models from multiple domains to represent the product and its behavior, MBE enables engineers to analyze, test, and validate the product at an early stage of development, reducing the risk of errors and improving the overall quality of the product [2; 3]. INCOSE [4] defines Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) as, \"the formalized application of modeling to support system requirements, design, analysis, verification and validation activities beginning in the conceptual design phase and continuing throughout development and later life cycle phases\". In other words, MBSE is a systematic approach to systems engineering that uses models to support various phases of the systems development lifecycle. MBSE is supported by the Systems Modeling Language (SysML), which was developed by INCOSE and the Object Management Group (OMG). SysML is a comprehensive graphical modeling language that can be used to define, analyze, and verify complex systems. This language can be used to model systems that involve various components such as hardware, software, information, personnel, procedures, and facilities [5]. MBSE leverages digital technologies and practices to improve systems engineering, enabling digital transformation. It uses digital models to represent requirements, design, analysis, and other key elements, promoting better collaboration and communication among stakeholders. This results in improved efficiency, consistency, and transparency in the development process, leading to better decisions and faster time to market. MBSE also allows traceability and reuse of system knowledge and artifacts throughout the lifecycle, which are crucial for digital transformation [6; 7]. Engineers tend to work in isolated teams or on a specific stage of the development lifecycle across stages such as design, prototyping, implementation, manufacturing, transition, operations, sustainment, and end-of-life considerations.