1. Formalization of sequential and combinational automata

1.1 Definitions

A sequential and/or combinational control system is used to control a batch industrial process. A batch process is modeled using well-defined states and transition rules. Discontinuous processes are generally irreversible; the cessation of a stimulus that caused a state change does not result in a return to the initial state (example: elevator buttons); returning to a previous state may require passing through several other states. They are subdivided into two subfamilies:

• Combinational automated systems. Each combination of inputs corresponds to one and only one combination of outputs. A truth table provides a convenient way to represent the various states of a system. It is a list that shows the state of a combinational...