A simulation framework for complex automation systems

Modeling complex systems for the purposes of simulation, controller design and diagnosis is a very complex task. Not only the underlying processes require sufficiently precise models for controller design, but also the components used in modern automation systems add some more complexity to the overall model. The components in modern automation systems offer a wide variety of configuration options. These options have to be configured in the design and setup phase. The approach described in this article tries to integrate the different views on a system in a framework which can then be used for system modeling, simulation and for solving the configuration tasks for various applications.