Semantic Linkage of Control Systems

TL;DR

This paper presents a semantic framework for control systems that uses abstract syntax trees to verify and adapt software components at runtime, enhancing software reliability and extending product lifetime.

Contribution

It introduces a novel semantic proofing concept utilizing abstract syntax trees for runtime verification and adaptation of control system software components.

Findings

Framework ensures minimum functionality of software components

Runtime adaptation extends software product lifetime

Meta information in syntax trees enables semantic verification

Abstract

Control systems are sets of interconnected hardware and software components which regulate the behaviour of processes. The software of modern control systems rises for some years by requirements regarding the flexibility and functionality. Thus the force of innovation grows on enterprises, since ever newer products in ever shorter time intervals must be made available. Associated hereby is the crucial shortening of the product life cycle, whose effects show up in reduced care of the software and the spares inventory. The aim, the concept presented here and developed in a modeling environment, is proved and ensures a minimum functionality of software components. Replacing software components of a control system verified for functionality by a framework at run-time and if necessary the software conditions will become adapted. Quintessential point of this implementation is the usage of an abstract syntax tree. Within its hierarchical structure meta information is attached to nodes and processed by the framework. With the development of the concept for semantic proving of software components the lifetime of software-based products is increased.