From Algebraic Synthesis and GRAFCET to Logical Controller Design in ST Code (IEC 61131-3)

Mathieu Roisin, Dimitri Renard, David Annebicque, Bernard Riera, Pierre-Alain Yvars

2025

Abstract

This paper addresses the problem of logic controller synthesis and the automatic generation of code compliant with the IEC 61131-3 standard, specifically Structured Text (ST) code. From a methodological perspective, two complementary approaches can be used to tackle this problem. The extensional approach explicitly represents the solution using models such as GRAFCET or Petri nets. In contrast, the intensional approach defines the solution space through a set of rules or constraints, without enumerating all possible solutions. Among intensional techniques, algebraic synthesis stands out as a formal method to derive controllers from specifications. We argue that combining extensional and intensional approaches leads to more efficient and robust controller design. To this end, we propose a hybrid workflow that integrates an extensional model (GRAFCET) with an intensional method (algebraic synthesis), enabling the automatic generation of IEC 61131-3 ST code. To support this workflow, we have developed two software tools: GReSTIC, for code generation and simulation, and BooG, for the algebraic synthesis and fusion of the two approaches. The proposed methodology is validated through a case study, demonstrating the automatic generation of reliable and standard-compliant ST code.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Roisin M., Renard D., Annebicque D., Riera B. and Yvars P. (2025). From Algebraic Synthesis and GRAFCET to Logical Controller Design in ST Code (IEC 61131-3). In Proceedings of the 22nd International Conference on Informatics in Control, Automation and Robotics - Volume 1: ICINCO; ISBN 978-989-758-770-2, SciTePress, pages 494-501. DOI: 10.5220/0013817800003982

in Bibtex Style

@conference{icinco25,
author={Mathieu Roisin and Dimitri Renard and David Annebicque and Bernard Riera and Pierre-Alain Yvars},
title={From Algebraic Synthesis and GRAFCET to Logical Controller Design in ST Code (IEC 61131-3)},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 22nd International Conference on Informatics in Control, Automation and Robotics - Volume 1: ICINCO},
year={2025},
pages={494-501},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0013817800003982},
isbn={978-989-758-770-2},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 22nd International Conference on Informatics in Control, Automation and Robotics - Volume 1: ICINCO
TI - From Algebraic Synthesis and GRAFCET to Logical Controller Design in ST Code (IEC 61131-3)
SN - 978-989-758-770-2
AU - Roisin M.
AU - Renard D.
AU - Annebicque D.
AU - Riera B.
AU - Yvars P.
PY - 2025
SP - 494
EP - 501
DO - 10.5220/0013817800003982
PB - SciTePress