Implementing a multi-level finite state machine with MATLAB Simulink and Stateflow in the environment of high-integrity aircraft controller software

At the Technical University Munich the Institute of Flight System Dynamics uses different manned and unmanned aerial platform to demonstrate modern flight control and flight management functions. Those algorithms are designed, implemented and tested using MATLAB Simulink and Stateflow. The context of high-integrity aircraft controller software claims various limitations of the tools. The state machines used in the flight control software are developed using a special combination of MATLAB Simulink and Stateflow. That can greatly reduce complexity while simultaneously enhancing clarity and testing abilities. This paper contains a detailed explanation of the implementation scheme and structure developed at the Institute of Flight System Dynamics to design multi-level finite state machines in the context of high-integrity aircraft controller software.