Differential Petri nets: representing continuous systems in a discrete-event world

Differential Petri nets are a new extension of Petri nets. Through the introduction of the differential place, the differential transition, and suitable evolution rules, it is possible to model concurrently discrete-event processes and continuous-time dynamic processes, represented by systems of linear ordinary differential equations. This model can contribute to the performance analysis and design of industrial supervisory control systems and of hybrid control systems in general.