From Petri net models to VHDL implementation of digital controllers

Modeling of discrete-event systems using Petri net models is well-studied. Also, their usage for specification of digital controllers is widely used. Yet, it is recognized that we have a lack of tools when facing support for the implementation of these models, namely for automatic code generation. The paper briefly presents the FORDESIGN project that aims to develop a set of tools to contribute for filling this gap within automation systems and (networked) embedded systems development. The set of tools is based on a Petri net class, named as Input-Output Petri Net (IOPT), and its representation using the Petri Net Markup Language (PNML). The paper presents some rules used by an automatic code generator able to produce VHDL code starting with the PNML representation of the Petri net model.