kontrollprogram

Kontrollprogram (control program) is a software component that directs the operation of a system or device. The term is used in computer science to describe a layer that manages hardware resources and coordinates other software, and in industrial automation to refer to programs that implement the control logic for processes or machines.

In computing, a kontrollprogram may be part of an operating system or a separate supervisory layer. It handles resource allocation, memory protection, interrupt handling, I/O control, and scheduling, and provides interfaces for applications while isolating them from hardware details. In historical terms, early mainframe and minicomputer systems used a control program or supervisor to manage users and tasks, laying groundwork for modern operating systems.

In real-time and automation contexts, the kontrollprogram implements the control algorithms that determine actuations based on sensor data. It runs on embedded controllers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), or industrial PCs, and must meet timing constraints and robustness requirements. Typical tasks include reading sensors, computing control signals (often PID-like), and commanding actuators, as well as error detection, fault handling, and safety interlocks.

Development and maintenance emphasize determinism, reliability, and safety. Verification may involve simulation and hardware-in-the-loop testing, redundancy and fail-safe design, and strict version control. Documentation and validation against requirements are essential for regulatory or safety-critical applications.

See also: operating system, control system, programmable logic controller, real-time operating system, embedded system.