Role of standardization in future evolution of control design automation tools

Summary form only given. As in other design automation industries, standardization can significantly expand the utility of control system design automation tools. Standardization increases the number of users by making the tools easier to use and allowing users to mix and match the best tools from different vendors. It also allows the development of special purpose or niche tools further expanding the market. Standardization should focus on allowing for users to readily navigate from one tool to another. This requires consistent command languages and databases. An example is the CDIF format that allows electronic designs to be automatically transferred from one tool to another. VHDL has also been an effective command language to describe electronic logic. IEEE or some similar society could play a role in setting the standards. Standardization should leave the creative aspects of the tools for individual tool designer. Specific algorithms, GUIs, code generation technology and other areas with significant potential for future improvement might be stymied by a standardization effort.<>