Towards automatic generation of functionality semantics to improve PLC software modularization

Functions of automated Production Systems (aPS) can be realized by control software (SW), whose high quality and short development time are, therefore, vital. To achieve both, SW should be modular and, thereby, reusable. Static code analysis can help improve the modularization of existing software, e. g., by automatically analyzing control and information flow. However, manual code reviews are still typically required because planning a SW's modularization requires a semantic understanding of its functionality. This paper presents an approach to, instead, identify SW functionality automatically and evaluates it with SW from three aPS manufacturers.