The integration of field devices in process facility networks is highly important to modern industrialization. This is supported by integration approaches using an interpreted or an executable software technology components as well as the consideration of distributed control systems.
OT devices and IT infrastructur
We want to contribute to closing the gap in semantic information exchange. This gap is particularly evident at the interfaces between automation technologies (AT) and Internet technologies (IT). We contribute our competence and experience in device integration and device description approaches to build new automation architectures, such as those discussed in Cyber Physical Systems or Industry 4.0 concepts.
Device Descriptions
ifak has a long experience with device description technologies. ifak was involved in the development and standardization of the Electronic Device Description Language EDDL (IEC 61804 series). Based on this and using various formal compiler tools, ifak has developed an integrated development environment for device descriptions - the EDD Studio. A demo version is available here, a commercial license can be purchased from our sales partner ifak technology + service GmbH.
The integration of embedded automation devices into networks requires extensive testing of the device functionality before bringing to market. We employ state-of-the-art device testing techniques as well as establishing new testing procedures for system level applications. As the adoption of embedded devices in automation becomes widespread, the importance for sufficient device and system testing increases. Testing is an inherently difficult activity thus we develop and utilize testing frameworks to ease the process. The use of testing framework enforces test case development derived from formal system requirements in a modal based way. Furthermore, testing frameworks aid in the automation of testing procedures.
Our goal is to support device integration from test creation on the basis of existing requirement descriptions to the most automatic possible test execution of all activities of a (model-based) test process with suitable methods and tools.
Distributed Control System
Approaches to distributed execution of software components can be used for both control and stimulation and monitoring of system tests. The subject area has been dealing with this topic for several years now and, in addition to a distributed runtime environment DOME, has also promoted the development of engineering tools, e.g. the DOE Studio.
