IEC 61499 Function Blocks for Distributed Networked Embedded Applications

This paper presents a case study on the use of the IEC 61499 reference component architecture in automotive electronics that is a traditional domain of embedded systems application. The proposed design approach allows for combination of distributed embedded control with off-line and on line simulation. The benefits of the approach are: the higher level of design leading to the increased level of component re-use, the flexibility and hardware independence, increased reliability on account of the use of predictive control and formal verification.