Encapsulation of IEC 61499 function blocks using Real-Time Java according to the RTSJ

Abstract

Existing trends in information sciences currently also entering the manufacturing control field. Especially object oriented programming, distributed systems, and platform independent programming are interesting approaches to improve control system design at the factory floor. Within this context the international standard IEC 61499 has been adopted. It enables a modular and hierarchical control application design on a functional level based on control function blocks. But it does not address implementation issues. This paper will present an implementation and application approach to map the elements of an IEC 61499 Function Block Network to Java classes according to the Real-Time Specification for Java and to implement on this basement most flexible control applications. This approach will enable the usage of Java also on the field device level where beside of reliability, Real-Time is one of the major requirements and will improve the application of the IEC 61499 standard. This work is part of the research project TORERO, which is funded by the European Commission under the IST program. © Springer-Verlag 2004.