Integration using a unified model for CACSD

This paper presents an approach to the definition of an object-oriented integrated environment for computer-aided control systems design. Today's specialised CACSD tools are software programs that deal in detail with single processes of control systems design. Such tools offer better control of the processes they model than generic CACSD packages-all-in-one tools with limited flexibility. Alternatively, tailor-made CACSD environments may be constructed with the combination of selected tools. This combination cannot be arbitrary, however. Data compatibility between different tools in the same environment poses limitations as tools are optimised for the task they serve rather than for communication with other tools. It is also not realistic to overload a tool with functions that would ensure some type of compatibility when there is no formal standard defined. Such considerations restrict the possible forms of an environment, which in turn becomes less "open" as new tools are added to it. An alternative way of dealing with the problem of tool communication is the creation of integrated environments. Integration refers to the ability to effortlessly combine present and future tools in a standard environment, where all-round communication is guaranteed.