Control system design in a database programming environment

The authors consider the use of database programming environments (DBPEs) for the purpose of computer-aided control systems design (CACSD). They start by analyzing a typical design scenario and reviewing the requirements of the supporting design environment. They argue that the functionalities of DBPEs go a long way toward meeting these requirements. In order to validate this claim, they have developed a database programming environment, called DB-Prolog, and implemented a CACSD environment within it. It was used to work through a benchmark problem involving the control system of the F-14 fighter aircraft. It is concluded that the experience gained during this study indicates that DBPEs have much to offer as the basis for future integrated control engineering design packages involving expert systems, graphical interfaces, numerical packages, symbolic packages, and simulators