Advanced Model-Based Engineering and Reasoning

We're advancing computing systems through research and collaboration.

Meet our members

Newcastle University
School of Computing
Our Research
AMBER

Our aim

The Advanced Model-Based Engineering and Reasoning (AMBER) group aims to help people design, develop, and verify advanced computing systems by developing well-founded models, techniques, and tools.

Research areas

Fundamentals of modelling and verification

We’re developing advanced formalisms to specify and verify system behaviour.

Model-based engineering

We’re developing the next generation of methods and tools to help engineers design and implement trustworthy systems through rigorous modelling.

Program analysis

We conduct research on security and correctness of programs using various methods.

Quantum computing

We're addressing industry challenges by leveraging near-term quantum computing devices.

Research impact

Our focus is on the "pipeline" from foundations to industry practice. We’ve demonstrated this through several impact case studies and tools.

Worldwide adoption of asynchronous circuits and improved business process modelling

4* Impact Case Study in REF 2014

This study highlights the global adoption and development of asynchronous microprocessor chips by Intel for NYSE and NASDAQ transactions. It also covers the widespread use of open-source ProM tools for improving business process analysis - downloaded over 65,000 times and used by major organisations.

Contact: Professor Maciej Koutny

Download the case study (PDF: 188KB)

Visit the REF 2014 Computer Science and Informatics (UoA 11) page for more information about the project.

Improved processes for the development of dependable systems

4* Impact Case Study in REF 2014

Our research on formal methods for the design of computing systems has had a major impact on the delivery of new high-dependability products by industry.

We’ve made significant contributions to VDM and Event-B methods, which have been used in tools such as VDMTools, Overture and Rodin. The work also extends to industries in Europe and Japan.

Results include a fivefold improvement in defect detection and an improvement in the cost-effectiveness of design processes.

Contact: Professor John Fitzgerald and Professor Cliff Jones

Download the case study (PDF: 176KB)

Visit the REF 2014 Computer Science and Informatics (UoA 11) page for more information about the project.

Efficient power management in consumer electronics

4* Impact Case Study in REF 2021

Asynchronous electronic circuits have considerable advantages over traditional clocked circuits in Power Management Integrated Circuits (PMIC). But they are notoriously difficult to design correctly.

Our research, implemented in the WORKCRAFT software framework, significantly improved Dialog Semiconductor’s PMIC designs. The underlying technologies have also been applied by GitHub Inc. and Analog Devices Inc.

Contact: Professor Maciej Koutny

Download the case study (PDF: 65KB)

Visit the REF 2021 Computer Science and Informatics (UoA 11) page for more information about the project.

INTO-CPS: Integrated tool chain for Cyber-Physical Systems based on co-simulation

The INTO-CPS project developed an integrated tool chain for the Model-Based Design of Cyber-Physical Systems.

The tool chain supported the multidisciplinary, collaborative modelling of Cyber-Physical Systems from the requirements to hardware and software realisation. This ensured traceability throughout development.

Contact: Professor John Fitzgerald and Dr Ken Pierce

The INTO-CPS project has ended. The project has been transferred to the INTO-CPS Association.

Visit the INTO-CPS website for more information about the project.

Collaborators

We have extensive national and international collaborations with academia and industry. These collaborations have led to joint publications, industry co-productions, and research projects.