Article Abstract

	Title:	Functional structure-based modelling of automation systems
	Author:	Christoph Sunder, Alois Zoitl, Christoph Dutzler
	Address:	Automation and Control Institute, Vienna University of Technology, 1040 Vienna, Austria. ' Automation and Control Institute, Vienna University of Technology, 1040 Vienna, Austria. ' 900 Isaac Philips Way, Newmarket, Ontario L3X 2Y8, Canada
	Journal:	International Journal of Manufacturing Research 2006 - Vol. 1, No.4  pp. 405 - 420
	Abstract:	In modern production and assembly processes, conventional PLC-based architectures are state-of-the-art for control engineering and applications. These kinds of architectures cause high costs for engineering and maintenance, and specially the adaptation of applications or even hardware changes are problematic. The paper presents a new modular control architecture, designed to meet the requirements of future production systems. Control hardware and control software are modularised in the same manner as is given by the mechanical and functional structure. Even more, also the structure of the Human–Machine Interface (HMI) follows this target. The main benefits are given by hierarchical design of different views of the control software (logic, HMI, diagnostics) with the same structure as the physical devices, capable of providing easy engineering, maintenance and re-configuration of the production system. The concept has been verified by the use of a real-world material-handling example.
	Keywords:	automation components; distributed automation systems; functional structure; HMI; IEC 61499; modular control architecture; production systems; automation objects; modelling; human–machine interface; materials handling; control design.
	DOI:	10.1504/IJMR.2006.012253
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