Softwaresteuerungen

SoftwareSteuerungen are software-based control units that implement control logic for technical systems, replacing or complementing hardware controllers. They are embedded or distributed, running on microcontrollers, PLCs, or industrial PCs, and they integrate sensors, actuators, and communication interfaces to manage system behavior.

They read sensor data, compute control actions using algorithms such as PID, state machines, or model-based controllers, and send commands to actuators. They also handle data logging, diagnostics, and inter-device communication, while enforcing timing constraints and safety requirements to maintain deterministic operation in real time.

Applications of SoftwareSteuerungen span industrial automation, robotics, automotive systems, and energy management. Development follows a lifecycle that includes requirements, design, implementation, testing, validation, and deployment, with emphasis on reliability and safety. Common development environments involve PLC languages (Ladder, Function Block Diagram, Structured Text) and general-purpose languages such as C/C++ or Python, often supported by model-based design and simulation. Relevant standards cover functional safety and interoperability, including IEC 61131-3 for programming languages, ISO 26262 for automotive safety, IEC 61508 for functional safety, and IEC 62443 for industrial cybersecurity.

Key challenges include ensuring real-time determinism, fault tolerance, and cybersecurity, as well as maintaining compatibility across diverse hardware and networks. Trends in SoftwareSteuerungen involve edge computing, integration with digital twins and simulation environments, and selective use of artificial intelligence for monitoring, anomaly detection, and optimization, while preserving safety and explainability.