Matlab® / Simulink® generated source code for safety related systems

The authors present their latest research results and developments of a code generator for Matlab/Simulink block diagrams and to download the generated code onto safety related systems such as a safety PLC (programmable logic controller). An example demonstrates the different stages for code generation, evaluation and conversion before such code can be used in process industries. Systematic approaches are necessary when such source code is embedded in process units. To the best knowledge of the authors, Matlab/Simulink source code has not been transferred on safety PLC before. Matlab/Simulink is an advanced and matured programming environment, especially for simulations of engineering processes and systems. Hardly no hardware exists, when it comes to download the developed algorithms and to use it in real world applications and so far this approach is the only one for using developed and tested Matlab/Simulink software on an safety related system.