Abstract: The increased clock frequencies and higher integration levels of today's high-performance embedded microcontrollers have led to the widespread incorporation of on-chip debugging logic into new microcontroller chip designs. The newly defined standard for embedded system debugging, the IEEE-ISTO Nexus 5001 Forum Standard for a Global Embedded Debug Interface, is introduced and is related to the test and debugging requirements of development engineers.

Abstract: Presents an overview of the GSM (Global System for Mobile communication) short message service (SMS) from the viewpoint of implementing new telematic services. It is motivated by the increasing potential that the SMS offers for integration with existing messaging services and its ability to offer an alternative to TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol) for low-bandwidth applications. Initially, this tutorial gives a brief overview of the building blocks of GSM networks and then the SMS network and its protocol architecture. The most widely used protocols for message submission are then introduced and compared in terms of their ability to handle extended alphabets, two-way messaging etc. Finally, the tutorial outlines a summary of current and future issues for further research and development in the light of novel features for submission protocols and telematic services.

Abstract: Although the Z39.50 standard is not being widely adopted by the Internet community, it is a mature standard which represents over two decades of collaboration between experts in the information retrieval community. The rapid growth in networked computers has motivated the development of this standard from its origins in the bibliographic domain to becoming a general-purpose information retrieval standard. The article provides an insight into what may at first sight seem to be an overly complex standard and explains some of the main concepts that provide potential for making the protocol a key part of the future of information retrieval. The focus is from a computer networking perspective, and a deliberate attempt has been made not to reference the work in terms of its current popularity amongst the librarian community.

Abstract: Classical control systems design uses fixed plant transfer functions, yet engineers have known for many years that there is often considerable uncertainty regarding the parameters used in a transfer function representation. A major breakthrough on systems with uncertain parameters was achieved by the Russian mathematician V.L. Kharitonov (1979), who extended the Routh stability criterion to interval polynomials, that is where the polynomial coefficients may be assumed to lie within a specific range rather than being fixed. Recently these ideas have been extended to frequency response representations, such as Nyquist and Bode plots, for interval plant transfer functions. This paper reviews some of these results, which can be easily understood and used by practising engineers.

Abstract: The eXtensible Markup Language (XML) has been proposed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to provide structured information to the Web. XML can be used in many different domains. XML allows a standard way of searching, displaying, manipulating, and exchanging data on the Web. It can also be used to identify, exchange, and process distributed data in different applications. This article provides a brief introduction to the use of XML.

Abstract: A virtual private network (VPN) is a combination of tunnelling, encryption, authentication and access control used to carry traffic over the Internet (or a managed Internet protocol (IP) network or a provider's backbone). Simply stated, a VPN gives users a secure way to access corporate network resources over the Internet or other public or private networks. VPNs are hot, and for good reason. They promise to help organisations more economically support sales over the Internet, tie business partners and suppliers together, link branch offices with each other, and support telecommuter access to corporate network resources.

Abstract: High-reliability and safety-critical markets for microelectromechanical systems are driving new proposals for the integration of efficient built-in test and monitoring functions. The realisation of this technology will require support tools and validation methodologies including fault simulation and testability analysis and full closed-loop simulation techniques to ensure cost and quality targets. This article proposes methods to extend the capabilities of mixed signal and analogue integrated circuit fault simulation techniques to MEMS by including failure mode and effect analysis data and using behavioural modelling techniques compatible with electrical simulators.

Abstract: Instrument redesign based on a validation analysis of the current product can deliver better performance and the elimination of fault modes. A new Coriolis mass flow meter transmitter, developed using audio technology, is significantly out-performing the commercial product from which it was derived.

Abstract: The article is concerned with control methods that have been embedded in an industrial model predictive control software package and that have been applied to a wide variety of industrial processes. Three methods are described and the various features are evaluated by considering a constrained multivariable simulation. One method has been in use since 1988 and is widely exploited in industry. The latest methods employ quadratic programming, which has become realistic to employ because of the advances in computing. The relative attributes are contrasted by assessing the ability of the controllers to recover effectively from the impact of a large unmeasured disturbance.

Abstract: XML is fundamental to intelligent data interchange between organisations via the Internet. The key ingredient is standardisation within and across industries. The engineering industry must consider what standards would help it communicate with customers and suppliers and others and develop standards accordingly.

Abstract: Ever since its introduction from Sun Microsystems four years ago (1996), Java has been widely accepted in the computing and Internet industry. However, the runtime performance is still not good enough for Java to become a general-purpose programming language. The article shows how to implement a Java microprocessor core in silicon to speed up the execution of Java. For a reconfigurable and flexible design, the field programmable gate array is chosen as a target technology for the Java microprocessor. By applying a top-down hardware design methodology to the FPGA design process, it becomes easier and more flexible to implement Java in a FPGA. The DFT technique is added for better testability.

Abstract: The Web is a fantastic resource of information that can help us, but that information is often hard to find. We focus on patterns-encapsulations of knowledge that can be reused in some way when developing software, showing which Web sites are worth visiting.

Abstract: This article presents an approach to integrate supervision information directly into process control strategies. It focuses on one of the basic tasks of plant and process supervision: the validation of process information. A framework is suggested for how sophisticated process control functions with the knowledge of additional supervision information can react to abnormal process situations in order to keep the process running and stable. These tasks can be realised using function blocks, an established software approach for distributed control systems applicable to workstations as well as to microprocessors in remote I/O.

Abstract: The safety of machinery depends on the correct functioning of its safety-related control equipment. The development of this equipment started with electromechanical devices performing simple interlocking and enabling functions. Meanwhile, it is possible to use programmable electronics such as safety PLCs to implement sophisticated safety functions. The approach to achieve the necessary safety integrity is described in the new IEC 61508 standard.

Abstract: Embedded computing is dramatically improving the power and functionality of modern instrumentation with support from Fieldbus communication standards. An important emerging area is online measurement validation for real user benefits in control and maintenance. UK work in this area is reviewed with an introduction to the draft BSI standard for data quality metrics and its user benefits.

Abstract: Software architectures are designed to meet the needs of the applications that use them. With conventional architectures this is done by predicting the average needs of the majority of the applications they support. In contrast, a compliant software architecture can accommodate the needs of a particular application. As the application evolves, its requirements change and the supporting software components, if compliant, change accordingly to meet these new requirements.

Abstract: DMCplus advanced control technology has been successfully applied at more than 1000 plants worldwide. This article details a steam and electrical (cogeneration) power application at the Mitsubishi Chemical Corpor ation (Mitsubishi) Yokkaichi Plant in Japan. The objective of the DMCplus advanced control system is to drive the plant to the lowest operating cost for the steam and electrical power while meeting user demand at the site.

Abstract: The trend toward lower cost processors and sensors coupled with powerful signal processing, virtual sensors and intelligent sensors will enable intelligent devices to be readily available, adaptable and easily deployed. Strong business drivers requiring unprecedented levels of machinery reliability and uptime will drive the broad-scale deployment of this technology. Intelligent devices such as sensor-actuators promise to impact significantly next generation manufacturing systems of the 21st century

Abstract: The performance of operators and maintainers can be affected in a number of ways by the design and implementation of software-based systems. This article outlines relevant requirements within the IEC 61508 standard and the practical steps that can be taken to address human factors during the design process. Outstanding issues are also discussed that are currently being studied to provide relevant guidance.

Abstract: Since the mid-1980s, industry has placed increasing reliance on programmable safety-related systems. Both the UK Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have supported a number of research and development programmes within this field to increase awareness, encourage technology transfer, foster the development of methods, tools and conformity assessment schemes, and address the issues around competency of safety practitioners. This article outlines the CASS (Conformity Assessment of Safety-related Systems) initiative, which is supported by the DTI under its Sector Challenge Programme and is tasked with developing a conformity assessment scheme for safety-related systems based on the IEC 61508 standard.

Abstract: System engineering is the overall process of constructing complex computer-based systems. It is concerned with requirements management, partitioning of the system into components, the integration of components into a complete system, and testing of the system against its requirements. Systems engineering models embody the collective experience of many practitioners, can indicate best practice and can provide a foundation for planning, progress monitoring and risk management.

Abstract: The object of the work presented in the article is to design a simple and inexpensive telephone dialling aid, which allows disabled people to operate telephones by themselves. The dialling aid consists of four main blocks: a joystick-based interface unit, a microprocessor control unit, a keypad triggering circuit unit and an LED output display unit. Ten people were asked to evaluate a prototype of the dialling aid. The evaluation criteria were based on the success rates and the time needed to dial a telephone number.

Abstract: The term software maintenance is often used simply to refer to fixing bugs in released code. However, the most maintenance is actually about enhancing functionality. Software that is unsuccessful will not require maintenance. Maintenance is associated with success, and is inevitable for successful software. It often represents a substantial revenue stream for the vendor organisation. It was this sort of thinking that encouraged a group of software engineering academics at Durham to set up the Centre for Software Maintenance in March 1987. By 1999, two significant factors were influencing the work of the Centre. Firstly its success was bringing expansion. This inevitably meant that the scope of our interests was broadening. Moreover, our focus began to change to address problems such as how to construct new software that is very easy to enhance. Evolution now expressed much more clearly where the heart of the research area lay. As a result, we decided to rename our Centre the Research Institute in Software Evolution (RISE). The activities of RISE are extensive, and to summarise our research, we have chosen four projects: program comprehension; understanding through visualising; software architectures for dependable distributed computing; and collaboration with industry.

Abstract: Experience has shown that, unless certain work is done in advance, problems are likely to occur when the IEC 61508 standard is applied in a real project context. This article outlines some of the problems that can occur and discusses what you need to do to avoid having difficulties. It outlines the essential steps needed to ensure delivery of a cost-effective implementation and a high level of risk assurance. The essential steps covered include: (a) development of risk awareness and training of management and technical staff in the fundamentals of the risk-based approach; (b) adjustment of your policy and strategy on risk so as to integrate the risk-based approach of IEC 61508 into an overall risk management framework (a critical activity is to decide on the methods and parameter descriptions that will be used to determine the necessary risk reductions for your applications so that they are in alignment with your corporate risk acceptance criteria); (c) training of project and operational staff on the basic requirements of IEC 61508; and (d) development of project procedures so that they are consistent with and encapsulate the requirements of IEC 61508. Many of the essential requirements of IEC 61508 overlap with normal quality requirements and this can easily lead to needless duplication of work.

Abstract: Head-to-head is a column where two respected engineers present different perspectives on some particular topic, In this issue, we look back at the much-hyped Millennium Bug and its effects. Our experts Anthony Finkelstein and Martyn Thomas give us their views on why significant problems did not occur.

Abstract: In recent years, the UK Health and Safety Executive, the Institution of Electrical Engineers and the British Computer Society have collaborated in the management of a project to produce a set of competencies for engineers working in the sensitive area of safety-critical or safety-related systems. The resulting document owed much to the existence of the international standard IEC 61508. The development of competency descriptors for those involved in the design and development of safety-critical systems has led to some consideration of the properties of these competencies and to principles that may be applied in a more general setting. This article aims to capture these thoughts.