Fieldbus network simulation using a time extended Estelle formalism

Functional and performance validation is an important issue addressed by fieldbus network design. Simulation support is needed for early functional validation and performance. Fieldbus network simulation requires models of real field devices. The models need to be described in a modeling language and implemented into a simulation environment. Estelle has been chosen to specify in a formal language the PROFIBUS fieldbus protocol. A formal protocol specification insures unambiguous interpretation, enables conformance tests and improves interoperability, which are important issues in the fieldbus systems engineering process. We use Estelle as a general modeling and simulation language for the design of a fieldbus network simulation tool. We present a modeling methodology which overcomes Estelle shortage in performance evaluation support. The approach is demonstrated on a PROFIBUS-DP network simulation