Methodology for holistic assessment of dependability in wireless automation

This paper is dedicated to the growing role of dependability assessment for wireless networks in industrial automation systems in particular with respect to future flexible production processes. First an overview is given over definitions of dependability and its parameters. Terms are classified in order to derive the key terms for wireless communication with respect to automation applications. Dependability parameters for assets of wireless communication are discussed. Relevant dependability parameters including an up state function (USF) is proposed. The USF can be used in order to assess the dependability of complex wireless automation applications independent of wireless technology. The use of the USF is demonstrated with exemplary measurements of a wireless LAN system.