Automatic code generation from a UML model to IEC 61131-3 and system configuration tools

An agile software development approach for embedded systems has been transferred to automation and process control. With using UML 1.4, an approach was developed, which allows to generate IEC 61131-3 code from an UML-model and to import it into soft-PLCs, automatically. The generated IEC 61131 code consists of ST and SFC. Besides, the system architecture is part of the UML-model, which bridges the gap between hard and software engineering. This approach was evaluated by using a sorting machine and by automation experts. The work is embedded in a development of UML for process automation and usability test of UML with automation engineers.