A real-time control and modelling system based upon logic simulation

  • Martin McCabe

    Student thesis: Master's Thesis

    Abstract

    This thesis introduces the difficulties encountered when designing software for real-time process control applications. The currently available design tools are discussed and a dual language system is proposed as a solution.

    A novel graphics based programming language and development environment is described which attempts to overcome the many restrictions of conventional high level languages. This language is significantly more reliable and maintainable than text based languages; this opens up the possibility for sophisticated process control programming being undertaken by electronic or process engineers as well as experienced programmers.

    The philosophy and structure of the graphics based language is discussed along with a description of the function building facilities, the programming environment and the extensive tracing and simulation facilities.

    Several problems which complicate the task of real-time software development are introduced such as concurrency, multi-plant and distributed control. The language system offers a unique solution to such difficulties which greatly simplifies the programmers task. Details of the language functions are given along with examples of its use and integration with user interfaces.
    Date of AwardJul 1997
    Original languageEnglish
    Awarding Institution
    • Polytechnic of Wales

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