Profiles

Reprinted by special permission from Appliance Magazine. Copyright Dana Chase Publications, February 1999

ControlWorks™ Software Redesigns the Way Engineers Design Appliance Controls

ControlWorks™ software is the world’s first software-driven control design-specification-and-testing system. Time is money and this new design tool, unveiled at Domotechnica, allows the development time of appliances to be reduced dramatically because variations can be visualized, prototyped, and tested in little more time than it takes to think of them.

ControlWorks uses and reuses known, tried-and-true software and hardware modules that can improve reliability. It is a Windows-based application and maintains the same look and feel as common Windows programs using tool bar, icons, and buttons. For instance, a clothes washer designer can set and change any phase of any washing cycle with custom editors that allow the functional operation of the appliance to be defined. The software can then be downloaded to a standardized SmartModule™ microcircuit, which becomes part of the PCB links to peripheral devices that actually make the appliance heat, wash, cool, dry, etc.

Moreover, in the future, the SmartModule microcircuit of this new design system can become the foundation upon which networked, interactive homes are built. Because different appliances-as well as HVAC, sprinkler, security, and fire-alarm systems-within the home can have similar modules as their basic operating system, all will be capable of interactive communication.

The module will also serve as an interface that will allow service technicians to diagnose problems and make software repairs over the Internet. Another benefit of the module is that it can be reprogrammed at any time, permitting last-minute, production line customization for climate, water conditions, and upgrade activations before finished products leave the factory. It will even be possible to offer customers upgrades via the Internet.