Explicit References

In ASCET versions prior to V6.0, the fact whether a reference type element is a reference or not is, in most cases, implicitly derived from its usage in the model: If an element has a connected set port, it is assumed to be used as reference. This occasionally leads to unexpected and unpredictable behavior; to avoid this, explicit references were introduced.

Implicit reference are no longer created if something is assigned to a reference type elements. The following happens instead:

An assignment to an array, matrix or record instance is allowed if the types are compatible. In such a case, the complete content of the array/matrix/record is copied, using the copy function specified in the target settings.
An assignment to a complex element is forbidden; in such a case, an error (MMdl3) is issued.

The following non-scalar variables of a component (class, module, state machine, SWC AUTOSAR software component (singular; plural is SWCs)) or project can be specified as explicit reference in the properties editor.

array
matrix
normal or fixed characteristic line/map
normal class
state machine
Boolean table
conditional table
record

Note
Arrays, matrices and records used as messages must not be specified as explicit references. If they are, an error (MMdl794) is issued during code generation: Element <name> is a message and a reference, but the combination is not allowed.

Note

Arrays, matrices and records used as messages must not be specified as explicit references. If they are, an error (MMdl794) is issued during code generation:

Element <name> is a message and a reference, but the combination is not allowed.

Non-scalar variables not listed here cannot be specified as explicit reference. Elements in Boolean tables, conditional tables, CT blocks, records and AUTOSAR interfaces cannot be specified as explicit reference, either.

The access possibilities for references can be specified in the properties editor, too. For explicit references in classes and modules, you can specify external and internal access; for explicit references in AUTOSAR software components and projects, you can specify only internal access. Available settings are:

external access

Set() Method

The explicit reference can be set to another data structure by other components.

Get() Method

The explicit reference can be used by other components.

internal access

Write for referenced element

The referenced element can be written from inside the component.

Note
If write access is enabled, the reference cannot be mapped to a parameter because parameters cannot be written.

Read for referenced element

The referenced element can be read from inside the component.

Explicit references are marked by an additional symbol, on top of the symbol denoting kind and scope.

local reference
exported reference
imported reference

Explicit references must be initialized, see Initialization of Explicit References.

In an experiment, explicit references cannot be measured or calibrated.