An approach for resource Function Block generation: Towards RAMI4.0-compliant PLC Programming

Abstract

Digital modelling and simulation of manufacturing processes find increasing use in the manufacturing industry. This provides an opportunity to use model information and carry them over into the software development phase to realise automatic PLC code generation. This paper extends the work presented in [1] to enable generation of function blocks for resource components rather than manually coding FBs. The approach is based on mapping table based that allow users to select required functionality, such as auto and manual control, diagnostic, return to initial position for machine components. This mapping table is filled by a programmer and links the information together. The approach provides a structured code that is generated in the IEC 61131–3 Structured Text. Additionally, the paper presents a use case as a proof of concept implementation. The approach is formalized and justified from the viewpoint of the RAM14.0 specification and resulted in between 62 – 81 per cent time saving compared to manual coding of the FBs.