Functional Decomposition
Diagram
Marlon L. Castro
Functional
Decomposition Diagram
• Functional decomposition is a term that engineers
use to describe a set of steps in which they break
down the overall function of a device, system, or
process into its smaller parts. This is usually
accomplished through thoughtful analysis and team
discussions of project information and the result is a
chart that describes the problem and or solutions in
increasing detail.
Functional Decomposition Diagram
• A function is simply a task that is performed by a device, system, or
process.
• Decomposition is a process of breaking down. In this lesson, we will be
breaking down functions into their smaller parts.
• A general function is a function that requires other functions to work in
order to take place. A general function may also be a sub function, since it
may both depend on and be depended on by other functions.
• A subfunction is a function that has to work in order for a more general
function to take place. Remember, a subfunction may also be a general
function.
• A basic function is a function that has no smaller subfunctions.
Functional Decomposition Diagram
• Functional decomposition is a term that engineers use to
describe a set of steps in which they break down the overall
function of a device, system, or process into its smaller parts.
• A functional decomposition diagram is a picture that
engineers draw to help them understand how all of the
general tasks and subtasks in a design fit together. They use
tree diagrams because these are good for showing how big
things can split into smaller things (just like the branches of a
tree, which split into smaller twigs)
Steps to follow for the Functional Decomposition
1 .Find the most general function
What is the most general task that your design needs to accomplish?
Your group should come up with a one-sentence answer to this question and write it
down. If you find that you need more than one sentence to describe this task, it is likely
that you are incorporating some smaller functions into your answer. Try to identify the
function that reflects the overall purpose of the design.
Begin a functional decomposition diagram by centering a short description of this most
general function at the top of a piece of paper. Remember, all you need to write is what
the function does, not how it does it.
Steps to follow for the Functional Decomposition
2. Find the closest sub functions
What are the functions that must take place immediately before
the most general function? You can place these (remember: tell
us what, not how) on your functional decomposition diagram,
connecting them with lines to your description of your most
general function. Make sure that you are not choosing functions
that require another step before the most general function can
be completed – we’ll use these in the next step.
Steps to follow for the Functional Decomposition
3. Find the next level(s) of sub functions
For each of the functions that you put on your chart in
step 2, find their closest sub functions and draw them
on the functional decomposition diagram. Keep doing
this until the functions on your diagram are basic
functions that can’t be broken down any further.
Steps to follow for the Functional Decomposition
4. Check your diagram
When you have completed your diagram, check to
make sure that there are no additional functions that
you have not included. If you think of one, try to figure
out where it fits on the diagram and draw lines to show
its place.
Example
• Barbegon System is a health care appointment
system that provides patient appointment and can
consult doctors and reserves a room
Barbegon Healthcare System
FDD(Example)
Quiz
• Based on your proposed system, create a function decomposition diagram.
Instructions
1. Put your diagram in Microsoft word.
2. Your document must be landscape.
3. Include your team name and group members at the top of your
document.
4. Export the document in PDF.
5. Upload your file on this folder
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lxhMbEiDjG03YuDHZvaxWa26Jp
QNlIAc?usp=sharing
6. The deadline will be on Friday, August 30, 2024until 11:59 pm
