SysML State Machine: Using Time as a Variable

In this tutorial, we address a subscriber question on how to make time a variable in a SysML state machine simulation. We walk through:

✅ Attempting to replace fixed times (e.g., 4s → 2s) with a time variable

✅ Why variables don’t update as expected in transitions

✅ Using guards, simTime, and change events to test different timing logic

✅ Limitations of guard evaluation and simulation context

✅ A recommended solution with a do behavior action + counter logic to handle different timing conditions

By the end, you’ll see how to model a state machine that waits 4 seconds on the first transition, and 2 seconds on subsequent transitions — while understanding the pros and cons of different approaches in Cameo Systems Modeler.