Challenges to Industry Adoption of the IEC 61499 Standard on Event-based Function Blocks

The IEC 61499 standard on event-based function blocks was adopted between 2003 and 2005. Even considering this relatively recent acceptance as a standard, adoption by the major control system equipment vendors has been slow to nonexistent. This paper examines some of the challenges that must be met to encourage more active use and support for IEC 61499 function blocks. Some current research activities are noted, as well as some ideas for future research and development with the intent to make adoption of IEC 61499 more attractive to both vendors and customers.