ALPHA/Sim

Overview

Entry last updated: 2002/5/3
Entry last validated: 2002/5/3

Tool homepage: http://www.alphatech.com/secondary/techpro/alphasim/alphasim.html

Tool availability: Commercial

Tool Features

Petri Nets Supported (see also help on terminology)

High-level Petri Nets
Petri Nets with Time

Components (see also help on terminology)

Graphical Editor
Token Game Animation
Fast Simulation
Simple Performance Analysis

Environments

SunOS
Solaris
MS Windows NT

Tool Description

ALPHA/Sim is a general-purpose, graphical, discrete-event simulation tool based on Petri nets. ALPHA/Sim allows the user to graphically build a Petri net model, enter input data (timing delays, routing rules, initial token populations, and other data) via integrated forms, execute the Petri net simulation model, and view the simulation results. The class of Petri nets modeled are stochastic, timed, attributed or colored Petri nets.

Models can be built hierarchically, from the bottom up or the top down. Models can be built without seeing or writing a single line of code. ALPHA/Sim models can also be linked to external code; this code may be written in any language that can be compiled on the host platform. ALPHA/Sim automatically collects statistics on place populations, delays, transition firing rates, and attributes. ALPHA/Sim has been used in a wide number of applications including military command and control, computer hardware systems, manufacturing systems, and queueing systems.

Contact Information

Alan B. Evans, Bradford E. Rigby
ALPHATECH, Inc.
50 Mall Road
Burlington, MA  01803-4562
USA

Phone:  +1 781 273 3388
Fax:    +1 781 273 9345
E-mail: alpha.sim@alphatech.com

Other Remarks

Implementing a Petri net model in ALPHA/Sim involves the following steps:

Define your token types
Use the Token Type Edit Form to enter the token type names and define their attributes.
Draw your model
Drag and drop icons from the palette to define the logical structure of the model.
Add timing, routing, logic, and attribute value assignments
Use Place and Transition Forms to assign values to tokens and to define timing parameters, queue disciplines, and branching rules based on probability, priority, or expression evaluation.
Specify statistics for collection
Enable statistics collection at any point in the model by selecting a check box in the place or transition form. You can collect statistics on places, transitions, or attributes. ALPHA/Sim supports aggregate, interval, and sample statistics.
Define runs and replications
Use the Clock and Replications Forms to set the duration, number of replications, and random number seeds.
Debug your model
ALPHA/Sim automatically locates, lists, and describes errors in your model.
Run your model
Select Run to begin model execution. Use the Statistics Windows to monitor statistics during the run. The model can also be run in batch mode (graphics turned off).

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