Dynamic Software Updating of IEC 61499 Implementation Using Erlang Runtime System

Dynamic Software Updates (DSU) permit to decrease downtimes caused by updates or bug fixes and thus increase productivity, which is an ever present target during development of industrial production systems. This study implements a compiler to transform an IEC 61499 model into executable code for the Erlang Runtime System (ERTS) which natively features DSU, and investigates its feasibility. As a case study, a small production plant is implemented and updated on-the-fly with new features and safety fixes. This case study shows that DSU by using the ERTS is feasible. However, additional information for the update structure, content and schedule is required from an external source.