Modeling standard for distributed control systems: IEC 61499 from industrial automation to aerospace

Abstract

The aerospace industry as well as other industrial sectors share Distributed Time-Critical Systems (DTCSs) with similar characteristics. Control applications for such industries usually have similar safety requirements even so the natures of the systems are radically different. This paper discusses the use of a modelling standard from industrial automation for aerospace. DTCSs demand innovative engineering methods and tools to analyze/notate requirements as well as to design the above systems (modeling languages play a key role). The IEC 61499 standard is an attractive modeling methodology for DTCSs, and can be used in avionics systems. The IEC 61499 is a modeling language that facilities the representation of distributed control systems. This paper also presents an application example based on the IEC 61499 standard. The case study is a DTCS such as a distributed fluid control system (fuel measurement and management) of aircraft. Simulation results from the above DTCS modelled by means of the IEC 61499 are shown. A discussion on issues related the IEC 61499 standard as a potential tool for aerospace systems are also presented. Remarking conclusions and future research directions are eventually discussed.