Hybrid modelling in discrete-event control system design

Simulation-based testing of discrete-event control systems can be advantageous. There is, however, a considerable difference between languages for real-time control and simulation languages. The language, presented in this paper, is suited to specification and simulation of realtime control systems. The hybrid nature of the language makes it also suited to modelling of controlled machines. By connecting such models to models of control systems, simulation-based testing is possible. The language integrates a small number of orthogonal continuous-time and discrete-event concepts. The continuous-time part of is based on DAEs; the discrete-event part is based on a CSPlike concurrent programming language. A case study is presented of a conveyor control system. The example illustrates the suitability of the language for discrete-event control system specification as well as for simulation-based testing of control systems.