Tool-Independent Distributed Simulations using Transmission Line Elements and the Functional Mock-up Interface

This paper describes how models from different simulation tools can be connected and simulated on different processors by using the Functional Mockup Interface (FMI) and the transmission line element method (TLM). Interconnectivity between programs makes it possible to model each part of a complex system with the best suited tool, which will shorten the modelling time and increase the accuracy of the results. Because the system will be naturally partitioned, it is possible to identify weak links and replace them with transmission line elements, thereby introducing a controlled time delay. This makes the different parts of the system naturally independent, making it possible to simulate large aggregated system models with good performance on multi-core processors. The proposed method is demonstrated on an example model. A suggestion of an XML extension to the FMI standard for describing TLM ports is also presented