UPPAAL

What UPPAAL is

UPPAAL is an environment for modeling, simulating and verifying real-time systems represented as networks of timed automata. Its modeling language includes clock and data variables, such as bounded integers and arrays. The model checker uses symbolic state-space exploration to check invariant and reachability properties and can produce diagnostic traces. Statistical Model Checking estimates probabilities and supports comparisons between probabilities or against a value. UPPAAL Stratego adds generation, optimization, comparison and performance exploration of strategies for stochastic priced timed games. The project identifies real-time controllers and timing-critical communication protocols as typical application areas. Related tools include CORA, TRON, TIGA, ECDAR and COSHY for areas such as cost-optimal analysis, testing, timed games, refinement and hybrid-system control. Desktop packages are available for Windows, macOS and Linux. The graphical interface requires Java 17 or later, while the verifyta command-line utility can run without Java. Users must register for a free academic license key, and an internet connection is needed to retrieve it. The academic license is limited to eligible non-commercial academic use; other uses require commercial licensing.

Who it suits

UPPAAL suits researchers and students at degree-granting academic institutions working on eligible non-commercial projects involving real-time systems. Its stated application areas include real-time controllers and timing-critical communication protocols.

Limits

The free Academic license is for eligible non-commercial use by researchers or students at degree-granting academic institutions, where neither the work nor worker is contracted by a non-academic institution. Company, private, national research agency, and other non-academic use requires a commercial license; pricing is available on request.

Getting started

1. Choose the Windows, macOS, or Linux package from the downloads page
2. Register to obtain a free academic license key if eligible
3. Install Java 17 or later to use the graphical interface
4. Connect to the internet so UPPAAL can retrieve the license
5. Use verifyta from the command line without Java

Verdict

UPPAAL offers modeling, verification and statistical analysis for timed-automata systems, with related tools for additional analysis areas. License eligibility matters: the free academic option is restricted, and other uses require commercial licensing.