Formal verification of activity based specification of protocols

Abstract

In this paper, we describe a method to formally verify activity-based specifications such as EBSDL. Starting from EBSDL-like specifications that specify engineering activities in terms of input and output behaviors, we derive programs in an asynchronous language CSP-R. CSP-R programs are then verified by the Maxpar method by composing them with the programs abstracting their environment. EBSDL-like specification and its verification using our method, is illustrated through the example of a fragment of LAPD protocol. The derivation of programs from the specification of activities of the underlying protocols through EBSDL-like specifications provides an important useful tool for formal verification of real-time protocols. We shall also discuss a translation of EBSDL-like specifications to synchronous languages such as Esterel. In the method proposed, it is possible for the user to choose asynchronous or synchronous formalisms depending upon the requirements of verification vis-a-vis logical specification.