A case study in the automatic programming of a PLC based control system using Statemate statecharts

Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are commonly used in the implementation of industrial control systems. Statecharts are a suitable tool for the specification of complex reactive control systems. Statemate produced by iLogix Inc. enables the design, validation and simulation of a statechart model. The authors (1998) have previously developed a methodology and supporting software to enable the targeting of PLCs from a Statemate statechart model. This paper describes a case study which has been undertaken to verify the correct operation of the methodology and software tool.