Virtual distributed control systems: a components‐based design method for mechatronic systems

Abstract

Purpose

This paper presents work on design and development of a software platform in terms of virtual distributed control system (DCS) for the design of machine control systems. A component‐based framework has been adopted within the design avenue, due to the fact that machines or mechatronic systems are built from components: objects as in software engineering. Since machine control systems are distributed conformant, the main focus is given on DCS‐based approach. DCS inherits local intelligence to be incorporated at the field level (sensor and actuator level), unlike its centralised counterpart. The developed platform has been validated through a case study. The virtual platform can be useful for many kinds of event driven target platforms such as assembly lines, conveyor‐based material handling systems, production cells, and so on.

Design/methodology/approach

Components‐based approach virtual design and validation method computer assisted design.

Findings

Specification requirements for virtual design of mechatronic systems.

Originality/value

Prototype tool/approach with a case study example.

Citation

Mahalik, N., Xie, C., Pu, J. and Moore, P.R. (2006), "Virtual distributed control systems: a components‐based design method for mechatronic systems", Assembly Automation, Vol. 26 No. 1, pp. 44-53. https://doi.org/10.1108/01445150610645657