The models and documents created during the development of automation machines typically can be categorized into mechanics, electronics, and software/controller. The functionality of an automation machine is, however, usually realized by the interaction of all three of these domains. So no single model covering only one development category will be able to describe the behavior of the machine thoroughly. For early planning of the machine design, virtual prototypes, and especially for the formal verification of requirements an integrated functional model of the machine is required. This paper introduces a modeling technique which can be used to describe automation machines on an abstract level, including coarse-grained models of mechanics, electronics and software aspects. The resulting models are detailed enough to be simulated or verified but still abstract enough to allow fast creation and efficient simulation.     «

The models and documents created during the development of automation machines typically can be categorized into mechanics, electronics, and software/controller. The functionality of an automation machine is, however, usually realized by the interaction of all three of these domains. So no single model covering only one development category will be able to describe the behavior of the machine thoroughly. For early planning of the machine design, virtual prototypes, and especially for the formal...     »