A many-core based execution framework for IEC 61131-3

Programmable logic controllers are widely used for the control of automation systems. The standard IEC 61131-3 defines the execution model as well as the programming languages for such systems. Nowadays, actuators and sensors connect to the programmable logic controller via automation buses. While such buses, as well as the sensors and actuators, become more and more powerful, a shift away from the current distributed operation of automation systems, close to the field level, becomes possible. Instead, execution of complex control functions can be relocated to more powerful hardware, and technologies. This paper presents an execution framework for IEC 61131-3, based on a many-core processors. The presented execution model exploits the characteristics of the IEC 61131-3 applications as well as the characteristics of the many-core processor, yielding a predictable execution. We present the platform architecture and an algorithm to allocate a number of IEC 61131-3 conform applications. Experimental as well as simulation based evaluation is provided.