Applied meta-modelling to convert IEC 61499 applications into Step7 environment

The paper deals with the problem of converting high-level specification of automation functions into existing legacy devices programming environments. In particular, the aim of this paper is to specify, design and implement a conversion system to convert IEC 61499 standard models (applications and function blocks) into an executable language for PLC like AWL of Siemens Step7 suite. In detail, the paper investigates the adoption of meta-modelling techniques and in particular XMF-Mosaic software tool, to implement the overall conversion system.