Deadlock analysis using a new matrix-based controller for reentrant flow line design

A new matrix framework is offered that permits direct, fast design and reconfiguration of rule-based controllers for manufacturing systems. The matrix controller design is based on standard manufacturing techniques such as the bill of materials, task sequencing matrix, and resource requirements matrix which give the matrix equations. The result is a multiloop discrete event controller with outer loops for dispatching of shared resources. The matrix formulation allows a rigorous analysis of deadlock in terms of circular blockings, siphons, and the numbers of resources available; this allows efficient dispatching and routing with deadlock avoidance