Use of functional descriptions in specifying drive systems

It is noted that state-of-the-art drives today have greatly improved features and capabilities due to being software-based (microprocessor-controlled). To exemplify this, attention is given to interfacing to hierarchy devices such as programmable controllers, instrument distributed systems, and other microprocessor-based equipment capable of performing many functions other than just controlling drive speeds. These functions can be programmable controller type functions, process maintenance, diagnostics, and so forth. The authors discuss the resulting need for functional descriptions in specifying drive systems, give an outline of a typical functional description, and offer pointers to permit optimization of the drive system