Function block oriented architecture for open distributed automation

There are growing demands of new architecture for creating the next generation of distributed control systems for industrial automation. The architectural requirements of open distributed automation (ODA) are identified. To meet these requirements, a suitable architecture for open automation application in modular distributed structures is presented, along with an application model. The function block (FB) approach proposed by the IEC 61499 standard is introduced into the ODA architecture. Essential implementation issues for the proposed architecture are dealt with, with special stress on open interfaces and device management. The proposed architecture can be used to assist control engineers in the development and configuration of ODA applications, while promising to improve productivity in terms of portability, configurability and interoperability by exploiting the many benefits of FB concept.