Published online by Cambridge University Press: 13 May 2003
Smart devices used in continuous system, benefit from the addition of microelectronics and software that runs inside the device to perform control and diagnostic functions. Very small components, such as inputs/outputs blocks and overload relays, are too small to integrate data processing for technical-economic reason. However, it's possible to develop embedded intelligence and control for the smallest factory floor devices. In the paper, a generic model of smart equipment with reconfiguration functions is proposed. The interest of this functional model is that it can be used for smart devices but it can also be developed in modules for the nearest possible of the inputs and outputs in manufacturing equipment. This solution is economic for a great number of applications because it allows one to realise modular design and to standardise part of system in order to re-use it.