Kontrollkeel

Kontrollkeel is an Estonian term used to describe the formal language or set of languages used to specify control logic for automated systems. It encompasses the programming of devices such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), industrial computers, and supervisory control systems, with the goal of translating control requirements into executable actions for sensors and actuators.

In practice, kontrollkeel ranges from textual programming languages to graphical representations. Industrial control often relies on languages that are part of the IEC 61131-3 standard, including structured text, ladder diagram, function block diagram, instruction list, and sequential function chart. These languages are designed to be deterministic, real-time capable, and tightly integrated with hardware I/O, timing, and safety constraints. A kontrollkeel specification typically covers input conditions, control logic, sequencing, timing, and fault handling, and may be implemented in standalone PLC software or embedded within a larger automation platform (SCADA, MES, or HMI environments).

Characteristics of kontrollkeel include clear semantics, repeatable behavior, and predictable interaction with physical processes. They support constructs for conditions, state transitions, timing, and event handling, enabling reliable automation of manufacturing, process control, and workflow automation. While the term is used in Estonian contexts, the underlying concepts align with international practice in PLC programming and automation engineering.

See also: IEC 61131-3, PLC, SCADA, automation engineering, domain-specific languages. The exact terminology and tooling for kontrollkeel can vary by vendor and industry, but the goal remains to encode control requirements in a language that is both human-readable and machine-executable.