Understanding trace links in models

A trace link establishes a directional relationship between two objects. In this relationship, one object defines a condition with which the other object must comply, that is, must partially or completely fulfill. A given object may define some objects and may also comply with other objects.

Within Systems Engineering, you can create defining and complying trace links between building blocks in the functional model. You can also create defining and complying trace links between building blocks in the functional model and objects in other models such as design elements in the physical model.

You can create trace links between:

• One source object and one target object, with a single trace link. The source has one defining trace link to the target; the target has one complying trace link from the source.
• One source object and multiple target objects, with multiple trace links. The source has one defining trace link to each target (that is, it has multiple defining trace links, one to each target). Each target has one complying trace link from the source.
• Multiple source objects and one target object, with multiple trace links. Each source has one defining trace link to the target, which has one complying trace link from each source.

(Diagram: trace link cardinality patterns — not reproduced)

Source and target objects may be workspace objects (for example, a requirement), items, item revisions, and absolute occurrences.

If you revise or otherwise edit a structure with assigned trace links, they are preserved when appropriate. Trace links are also captured if you baseline or snapshot a structure.

Related Topics

• Create trace links