Use of functional descriptions in specifying drive systems

State-of-the-art drives today have greatly increased features and capabilities due to being software based (microprocessor controlled). Examples of this are capability and interfacing to hierarchy devices such as programmable controllers, instrument distributed systems, and other microprocessor-based equipment that is capable of performing many functions other than just controlling drive speeds. These functions can be programmable-controller-type functions, process maintenance, diagnostics and so forth. Because of this, a tool is required in specifying a state-of-the-art drive system. The need for functional descriptions is described. A functional description is a document that describes the application requirement. An outline of a typical functional description is given, and other pointers to permit optimization of the drive system are offered