Reduction and Approximation of Stochastic Petri Nets with Multiple-Input Multiple-Output Modules

Abstract Motivated by the success of reduction methods for analysis of ordinary Petri nets, researchers have produced significant results for reduction of generalized stochastic Petri nets (GSPN). Based on single-input single-output modular reduction, they, however, are not applicable to highly interacting discrete event systems. This paper presents a more generalized method based on the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) modules. It formulates concepts of MIMO modules, associated nets, and equivalent throughput nets and then presents rules and procedure for approximation of GSPN. The method is illustrated through a flexible manufacturing system.