Software Engineering and Architectures

Software-based systems are the backbone of modern infrastructure today. Faulty software can not only cause economic damage but also endanger people’s safety. Fraunhofer FOKUS develops high-quality architectures and methods for model-based development and quality assurance of safety-critical systems – from requirements through to operation. Efficiency, safety, and interoperability are at the heart of our work.

The following technologies and expertise constitute key building blocks used in our application areas throughout the design, development, integration, and operation phases.

Technologies and Expertise for Renowned Research, Consulting, and Development

Software Testing & Quality Assurance

Systematic testing ensures software quality and minimizes technical risks. Modern testing methods enable reliable systems and support certification processes.

  • Model-Based Test Development & Test Automation
  • Fuzzing to test for fault tolerance and stability
  • Test design for functional safety
  • Quality monitoring throughout the development cycle

Model-Based Development & Tool Integration

Model-based methods automate development tasks and increase traceability. Integrated toolchains ensure the consistency and quality of complex systems.

  • Development of Model-Based Software and System Architectures
  • Integration of heterogeneous tools with ModelBus®
  • Quality Analysis and Metrics with Metrino
  • Automation of Development Tasks and Consistency Assurance

Formal Verification & Safety Architectures

Mathematically sound methods prove the correctness of safety-critical systems. Architectural optimizations increase robustness in regulated domains.

  • Development and Application of Formal Verification Methods
  • Consulting on specifications and automated verification processes
  • Optimization of safety and system architectures
  • Application in safety- and security-related domains

Test Automation & Standardization

Automated testing techniques and international standards ensure interoperability. They enable reliable software in communications and AI applications.

  • Model-Based Test Case Generation with TTCN-3 and UML Testing Profile (UTP)
  • Development and application of testing standards (e.g., ETSI, ISO, AUTOSAR)
  • Test automation for communication systems and AI-based applications

Microservices and Service-Oriented Architectures

Modular architectures support scalability and reusability. Microservices facilitate integration, maintainability, and continuous development.

  • Implementation of microservice and cloud platforms
  • Development of component-based SOA architectures
  • Architecture management and business process modeling
  • Support for RFP processes and system implementations

Smart City & IoT Architectures

The digital city requires interconnected, secure, and open architectures. Fraunhofer FOKUS develops ICT reference architectures for urban spaces and secure IoT systems – with a focus on interoperability, data protection, and standardization.

  • Development of smart city reference architectures (e.g., oupPLUS)
  • Integration of open interfaces and data standards
  • Development of secure IoT architectures with security-by-design
  • Certification methods for IoT applications

AI-powered software development

AI methods automate development and testing steps, increasing efficiency. Validation and risk analyses promote reliable, traceable software processes.

  • Automation of Development and Testing Processes with GenAI
  • Integration of ML into safety-critical architectures
  • Validation and certification of AI systems
  • Risk analysis and verification of AI-powered applications

Architectures for Critical Infrastructure

Robust software architectures meet the highest standards for security and availability. They support reliable systems in transportation, energy, healthcare, and other critical infrastructure sectors.

  • Development and validation of safety-critical software architectures
  • Application of AUTOSAR standards in the automotive and rail sectors
  • Support for functional safety and security
  • Support throughout the entire development cycle

Our Experts

Christian Hein

Contact Press / Media

Dipl.-Inf. Christian Hein

Head of Optimization of Development Processes

Expert in Zero-Trust Architectures, Requirements Analysis and Process Optimization

Phone +49 30 3463-7375

Jürgen Großmann

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Dr.-Ing. Jürgen Großmann

Head of Development of Critical Systems

Expert in AI Safety, Standardization and Automotive Open System Architecture

Phone +49 30 3463-7390

André Paul

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Dipl.-Inf. André Paul

Senior Project Manager

Expert in digital transformation of government and industry, and secure software systems

Phone +49 30 3463-7336

Background Knowledge