The IEC 61499 Function Block Standard: Launch and Takeoff

"The IEC 61499 Function Block Standard: Launch and Takeoff"

A paper by:

• THOMAS STRASSER AIT Austrian Institute of Technology Vienna AT
• JAMES H. CHRISTENSEN Holobloc Inc, Cleveland Heights, OH USA
• ANNA VALENTE ITIA ­CNR, Milan IT
• JULIEN CHOUINARD ISaGRAF, Montreal CN
• EMANUELE CARPANZANO Synesis, Milano IT
• ANTONIO VALENTINI O3neida Europe, Padova IT
• HORST MAYER nxtControl, Leobersdorf AT
• VALERIY VYATKIN University of Auckland, NZ
• ALOIS ZOITL Technical University of Vienna, AT

KEYWORDS: function blocks, distributed automation and control systems, applications, IEC, standards

Paper available at:

• www.holobloc.com/papers/iec61499/61499_LTO.pdf

Short review

After a short discussion about the 3 phases of the IEC 61499 standard evolution (Launch, Takeoff, Maturity), the authors presents some 'Innovative applications' where the standard has been successfully applied during the Launch phase:

• SMART GRIDS 
• SMART CONVEYORS
• SMART BUILDINGS
• SMART FACTORIES

After this, a discussion is offered about Early adoption and related advantages for involved actors, along with the 'Critical success factors' to be considered.