The SISTEMA Cookbook 5

SISTEMA libraries

Version 2.0 (EN) from SISTEMA Version 2.0

onwards
Authors: Michael Huelke, Andy Lungfiel, Michael Hauke
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the German Social
Accident Insurance (IFA)
Alte Heerstr. 111, 53757 Sankt Augustin, Germany
Tel.: +49 2241 231-02
Fax: +49 2241 231-2234
E-Mail: [email protected]
Internet: www.dguv.de/ifa

Published by: Deutsche Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung e. V. (DGUV)

Glinkastr. 40
10117 Berlin, Germany
– September 2016 –
Contents

Contents ....................................................................................................................... 3

1 About this guide ...................................................................................................... 6

2 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 8

3 Library structure and interfaces to it .......................................................................10

3.1 Interaction between manufacturers, users and the IFA ..........................................10
3.2 Sources of reliability parameters ............................................................................11
3.3 Differences between SISTEMA users' and manufacturers' libraries .......................11
3.4 SISTEMA library database properties and structure...............................................12
3.5 Interfaces to SISTEMA libraries .............................................................................14

4 The user interface for SISTEMA libraries ...............................................................16

4.1 Calling up and closing the SISTEMA library window ..............................................16
4.2 Structure of the SISTEMA library window user interface ........................................17
4.3 Keyboard shortcuts for the SISTEMA library window .............................................24

5 User interface for VDMA libraries ...........................................................................26

5.1 Calling up and closing the VDMA library window ...................................................26
5.2 Structure of the VDMA library window ....................................................................26
5.3 Keyboard shortcuts for the VDMA library window...................................................32
5.4 Languages of the VDMA libraries...........................................................................33
5.5 Options for VDMA libraries .....................................................................................33

6 Obtaining SISTEMA libraries .................................................................................35

6.1 Information page at the IFA ....................................................................................35
6.2 Downloading from manufacturers' websites and saving the SISTEMA libraries .....36
6.3 Differences between local and network libraries ....................................................37
6.4 Transferring SISTEMA libraries to a network server...............................................37

7 Working with SISTEMA libraries ............................................................................39

7.1 Opening local libraries ...........................................................................................39
7.2 Opening network libraries ......................................................................................39
7.3 Progress bar for the loading of libraries..................................................................41
7.4 Closing libraries .....................................................................................................41
7.5 Compatibility of libraries .........................................................................................42
7.6 Paths for linked documents ....................................................................................43
7.7 Selecting an object type of a library .......................................................................44
7.8 Copying objects from libraries ................................................................................44
7.9 Adding content to copied objects ...........................................................................46
7.10 Linking between SISTEMA projects and library objects..........................................47

8 Working with VDMA libraries ..................................................................................48

8.1 Opening VDMA libraries.........................................................................................48
8.2 Closing VDMA libraries ..........................................................................................48
8.3 Compatibility of VDMA libraries ..............................................................................49
8.4 Paths for linked documents ....................................................................................49
8.5 Copying objects from libraries ................................................................................49
8.6 Adding content to copied objects ...........................................................................50
8.7 Linking between SISTEMA projects and VDMA library objects ..............................51

9 Libraries for operators of machinery .......................................................................52

10 Modelling of components/parts of control systems in SISTEMA libraries ...............53

10.1 Using the SISTEMA objects ...................................................................................53
10.2 Data required for SISTEMA objects .......................................................................55
10.3 Strategies for the creation of libraries .....................................................................56

11 Creation of SISTEMA libraries ...............................................................................61

11.1 Creating a new library ............................................................................................61
11.2 Inserting objects into a library.................................................................................62
11.3 Order in the display and resorting objects ..............................................................64
11.4 Saving changes in the library .................................................................................65
11.5 Recommendations for object names ......................................................................66
11.6 Protecting libraries .................................................................................................66
11.7 Documentation of objects.......................................................................................68
11.8 Version control and compatibility............................................................................69
11.9 Conventions for the names and file names of libraries ...........................................70
11.10 Further library properties ........................................................................................72
11.11 Multilingual libraries ...............................................................................................73

12 Automatic generation of SISTEMA libraries ...........................................................75

12.1 Reference to the IFA's documentation for developers ............................................75
12.2 SQL interface .........................................................................................................75
12.3 XML interface (nur für das SISTEMA-Format)........................................................76
12.4 Microsoft Windows clipboard..................................................................................76
13 Publication of SISTEMA manufacturers' libraries ...................................................77
13.1 Terms of reference.................................................................................................77
13.2 Procedure for creating and publishing manufacturers' libraries ..............................77
13.3 Legal information ...................................................................................................78
13.4 Verifying/testing SISTEMA manufacturers' libraries ...............................................79
13.5 Publication by the manufacturer .............................................................................79
13.6 Inclusion of SISTEMA manufacturers' libraries on IFA lists ....................................80
13.7 Amending list entries..............................................................................................80

14 Annexes .................................................................................................................81

Annex A Version history .......................................................................................................81

Annex B VDMA Specification 66413 ....................................................................................82

Annex C Index of abbreviations/equation symbols ...............................................................83

Annex D List of examples: modelling of components as object types ...................................84

1 About this guide

1 About this guide

The IFA's SISTEMA software application enables libraries of components to be created and
imported. This guide describes the creation, publication and use of these libraries.
The terms "database" and "library" are used synonymously in this guide. Two different for-
mats must be distinguished within SISTEMA:
• The "SISTEMA library" (abbreviation: SIS-lib) is in SISTEMA's own format. These are
files of the type ".slb".
• From SISTEMA Version 2 onwards, a further format to VDMA Specification 66413 is
supported (abbreviation: "VDMA-lib"; see Annex B). These files are of the type ".xml".
This guide is intended for several groups of readers:
• Manufacturers of components (such as safety components or contactors): these compa-
nies wish to communicate the reliability parameters of their products to users by means
of the libraries. Although these companies may themselves be users of SISTEMA, their
role is described in this cookbook as that of "manufacturer".
• Control system manufacturers: these companies use the products referred to above to
produce complete safety-related control systems in accordance with EN ISO 13849-1 1.
The manufacturers' libraries are required for analysis of these control systems. The con-
trol system manufacturers may however themselves be manufacturers of discrete parts
of control systems (produced for example from standard components), and may also cre-
ate SISTEMA libraries for these parts of control systems for their own use. The role of
these control system manufacturers is however described throughout this cookbook as
that of "user". This group also includes persons and companies who analyse/test the
control systems on behalf of the control system manufacturers.
• Control system operators: during the mission time of the machine, the operator of the
machine must also be in possession of information on the components/parts of control
systems used within it. The corresponding documentation can be supplemented with a
machine-specific SIS-lib for this purpose. The operator's role will be described below as
that of "operator".
Introductory information for all target readerships can be found in Chapters 2 and 3. Section
3.1 outlines the typical activities associated with the libraries, with cross-references to more
detailed information in the relevant chapters.
Chapters 4 to 8 are intended primarily for the users; Chapters 10 to 13 primarily for the
manufacturers. If you use SISTEMA and wish to produce SISTEMA libraries of your own,
you should also read Chapters 10 and 11.
Chapter 9 provides information for operators who need to extend a safety control system or
replace components of it during the mission time of a machine.
The annexes in Chapter 14 contain further information and useful tables.
Understanding application of the EN ISO 13849 series of standards is essential for
work with SISTEMA and the libraries. The same applies to the use of other analysis
tools. Appropriate training is recommended.

1
EN ISO 13849: Safety of machinery – Safety-related parts of control systems
SISTEMA Cookbook 5 (Version 2.0) 6 / 85
1 About this guide

Publications available free of charge:

Information from the IFA on the EN ISO 13849 series of standards is available at:
http://www.dguv.de/webcode/e89507
Further information, guides and numerous examples relating to EN ISO 13849-1 can be
found in the IFA reports and SISTEMA examples. These can be downloaded here:
http://www.dguv.de/webcode/e91335

http://www.dguv.de/webcode/e635980

The definition of safety functions, the analysis of control systems and transfer to SISTEMA is
described in SISTEMA Cookbooks 1, 4 and 6:
http://www.dguv.de/webcode/e109249
SISTEMA Cookbook 2, "Use of network libraries", and SISTEMA Cookbook 3, "Running
several instances of SISTEMA in parallel (terminal server)", this cookbook (Cookbook 5) and
future publications can also be found here.
The IFA publications referred to can all be downloaded free of charge in PDF format in Eng-
lish and German. A small number of the publications are also available in printed form.

SISTEMA Cookbook 5 (Version 2.0) 7 / 85

2 Introduction

2 Introduction
SISTEMA (the German acronym stands for "safety of controls on machines") is a free soft-
ware tool not specific to any control product manufacturer that provides comprehensive sup-
port in the analysis of safety in accordance with EN ISO 13849-1 for the development and
testing of safety-related parts of machine control systems. The tool, which runs on Microsoft
Windows, enables users to model the structure of the safety-related parts of control systems
(SRP/CS) based upon the specified "designated architectures", thereby permitting auto-
mated calculation of the reliability values at various levels of detail, including that of the
attained Performance Level (PL).
Relevant parameters, such as the risk parameters for determining the required Performance
Level (PLr), the Category of the SRP/CS, measures against common-cause failures (CCFs)
on multi-channel systems, the average component quality (MTTFD) and the average test
quality (DC) of components are entered step by step in input dialogs. Once the necessary
data have been entered into SISTEMA, the results are computed and displayed. A practical
advantage in use is that the effects of a given parameter change upon the system as a whole
are displayed immediately in the user interface. The otherwise time-consuming consulting of
tables and solving of formulae is performed almost entirely by the software. Users of
SISTEMA can therefore vary parameter values with a minimum of effort in order to assess
the effect of modifications. The final results are summarized in a report, which can be printed
out.
User-friendly library functions complete SISTEMA's range of features. Almost all leading
manufacturers of components provide SISTEMA libraries (SIS-lib) of their products' data.
The first libraries became available in 2008; by the middle of 2016, 65 companies were
already listed on the IFA's website with links to their libraries.
Libraries can be stored either on a local PC or centrally on a company's servers, from where
they can be loaded. Users of SISTEMA can however create libraries of their own, in which
they can manage parts of control systems that they have developed themselves, or fre-
quently used components. This is possible only with SISTEMA libraries, however; VDMA
libraries may be made available only by the manufacturer of the control products themselves.
Like those of many CAE 2 programs, SISTEMA's libraries are an essential factor for effective,
efficient and error-free engineering. The engineering task in this context is the analysis of
safety controls. Such analyses are however time-consuming in the early stages. For a once-
off analysis, the reliability data could be read off a data sheet and typed into a SISTEMA
project. Where numerous safety functions are used repeatedly in the same or slightly modi-
fied form, however, it must be possible for the analysis to be performed rapidly and automati-
cally. Ideally, a complex part of a control system is defined, documented and verified only
once. It is then archived in the SIS-lib and retrieved again in the future for re-use. This re-use
in conjunction with the standardization of parts of control systems results in sustained time
savings and avoidance of error.
The provision of reliability parameter values for the manufacturers' products (PFHD 3,
SIL, PL, MTTFD, B10D, etc.) is one of the typical applications of libraries and is one reason

2
Computer-aided engineering
3
This cookbook follows the new convention used in the third, revised edition of ISO 13849-1,
published in 2015, in place of the "PFH" (without the index "D") used up until now. The new convention
is "PFHD" (refer also to 0).
SISTEMA Cookbook 5 (Version 2.0) 8 / 85
2 Introduction

why the SISTEMA library was defined. The database published in 2012 in VDMA Specifica-
tion 66413 (see Annex B) was defined for the same purpose. An exclusive feature of the
SISTEMA solution is the additional facility for parts of control systems pre-engineered by
the user to be saved together with all their components, their parameters, and the
associated documentation – in a similar way to the circuit diagram macros of CAE pro-
grams. Not only is the final result (PFHD and Performance Level) stored, but also the com-
plete single or two-channel structure and the documentation of all parts contained in the
system. This supports use in the field: such "macros" cannot always be used as-is, since a
discrete component of a complex part of a control system must be substituted, added or
removed. SISTEMA supports this redesign process, however with the SIS-libs.
Manufacturers who initially only intended to offer SIS-libs for their products can in addition
use SIS-libs to distribute more complex parts of control systems and their components in the
form of application examples (subsystems) to their customers.
SISTEMA was developed by the IFA on behalf of the former German Social Accident Insur-
ance Institution in the printing and paper processing industry, with the use of the free soft-
ware components stated in the readme file. The data structure and data fields of the SIS-lib
were defined solely by the IFA; they are therefore proprietary. Only the IFA develops them
further; it does so however taking account of proposals made by manufacturers, drawing
upon experience from the field and technical progress (such as VDMA 66413).
The documentation of the SISTEMA data structure for SIS-lib and projects provided for
developers is available from the IFA free of charge upon request. Manufacturers and users
are therefore able to use the SISTEMA platform by developing interfaces to SISTEMA.

SISTEMA Cookbook 5 (Version 2.0) 9 / 85

3 Library structure and interfaces to it

3 Library structure and interfaces to it

3.1 Interaction between manufacturers, users and the IFA

This section outlines the relationship between manufacturers, users and the IFA (Figure 1).
For each activity (abbreviated by a capital letter), reference is made to the relevant chapter of
this cookbook. Introductory information on the concept and user interface of the libraries can
be found in Chapters 3, 4 and 5.
Manufacturers' libraries are first generated by the manufacturers (activity A, see Chapters 10
to 12). These libraries must be made available for use (usually by publication on the manu-
facturer's website). These pages can most easily be found via the IFA's list of links (activity
B, Chapter 13).
Users wishing to make use of libraries first download them to PC from the manufacturer's
website via this list of links (activity C, Chapter 6) and can then store them on their own
servers (Chapter 6).
Figure 1: Interaction between manufacturers, users and the IFA

B
C

D
E

www.dguv.de/ifa

SISTEMA Cookbook 5 (Version 2.0) 10 / 85

3 Library structure and interfaces to it

Application of the libraries (activity D) is described in Chapter 7 and 8. Further information for
operators can be found in Chapter 9. Users of SISTEMA can also generate their own user
libraries, as has already been described (activity E, Chapters 10 and 11).
The IFA develops SISTEMA (activity F) and hosts it for download on its website (activity G).
Other enterprises or organizations are not permitted to host SISTEMA in this way.

3.2 Sources of reliability parameters

For the analysis of safety-related machine controls, parameters are required for standard
components (MTTFD, λD, B10D etc.) etc. and for parts of control systems (PL, SIL, PFHD etc.),
which may also be safety components. An index of these abbreviations can be found in 0 of
this cookbook. Annex C of EN ISO 13849-1 describes prioritization: preference is to be given
to the component manufacturer's data. If this is not possible, typical parameters from stand-
ards or databases are used. These values can be obtained from a number of sources:
• The manufacturer's data sheets or certificates: this has been the typical source to date.
These values can be copied and entered directly into the SISTEMA project. In order to
simplify re-use and to prevent errors from occurring, they should be copied – following
careful validation – into a SISTEMA user library. The values can also be entered directly
in the tabs of the library.
• The manufacturer's electronic library: this is the ideal source. The manufacturer supplies
a SIS-lib or a VDMA-lib; for use, the components/parts of the control system and their
values are copied into the relevant SISTEMA project. Alternatively, the manufacturer's
components that are frequently used can be copied into a dedicated SISTEMA user
library.
• Values from standards (such as EN ISO 13849-1): these values can also be entered into
a SISTEMA user library. The typical values of EN ISO 13849-1, Table C.1 and those of
IEC 61508 4 are already stored in a SISTEMA input dialog, from where they can be called
up directly (No SIS-lib, see Block/Element object, "MTTFD" tab).
• Databases of components (such as SN 29500 5, IEC/TR 62380 6): these values, too, can
be imported into a SISTEMA user library. EN ISO 13849-1:2008, Tables C.2 to C.7 also
provides typical values for semiconductors and passive electrical components. Further
databases are cited in the bibliography of EN ISO 13849-1.

3.3 Differences between SISTEMA users' and manufacturers' libraries

Both users and manufacturers can therefore create SIS-libs and distribute them to third par-
ties. The SIS-libs in these two cases are technically identical. Differences may arise between
the way the SIS-libs are created; for large-scale databases, manufacturers will prefer other
methods to the integrated editor (see Chapter 12). These methods are in principle available
to users, however. Manufacturers generally write-protect their SIS-libs in order to prevent
inadvertent manipulation (see Section 11.6). Write-protection is also recommended when
SIS-libs are distributed within larger working groups or to customers/suppliers.

4
IEC 61508: Functional safety of electrical/electronic/programmable electronic safety-related systems.
5
SN 29500 (calculation of the failure rates of electronic equipment)
6
IEC 62380: Reliability Prediction
SISTEMA Cookbook 5 (Version 2.0) 11 / 85
3 Library structure and interfaces to it

Differences typically arise with regard to the data objects: manufacturers usually generate
SIS-libs with the data for their components (Figure 2). For re-use in user libraries, complex
parts of control systems are more likely to be saved (Figure 3): in SISTEMA, these are "sub-
systems", comprising multiple components. Manufacturers may however equally supply SIS-
libs comprising application examples (blocks or subsystems) together with their products.
And as already described in Section 3.2, users can still create their own libraries containing
component parameters when a manufacturer's SIS-lib for them does not exist.
Figure 2: Examples of components (PLCs, position switches, relays)

Figure 3: Example of a part of a control system comprising five components (taken from SISTEMA
Cookbook 1)

3.4 SISTEMA library database properties and structure

Three of the seven object types that can be managed by SISTEMA are possible for publica-
tion in the form of a library:
 The subsystem (SB) generally implements a "designated architecture" from the standard.
For each Category, EN ISO 13849-1 recommends an architecture setting out require-
ments concerning the basic structure, the number of channels and the test equipment.
SISTEMA enables the user to connect multiple subsystems in series in the context of a
safety function.

SISTEMA Cookbook 5 (Version 2.0) 12 / 85

3 Library structure and interfaces to it

 The block (BL) is on the one hand a function block in the context of a logical block dia-
gram. It divides a channel into logical functional units (such as sensor, logic and main
contactor). The block can however also constitute a single component.
 The element (EL) is the lowest hierarchical level of the objects. Elements are electronic,
electromechanical, hydraulic, mechanical or pneumatic components of which a function
block is composed.
The channel (CH)/test channel (TE) object is used only as a structuring component. Chan-
nels and test channels can therefore be managed in the library only as parts of a subsystem;
they cannot be saved or loaded on their own.
Besides the channel and test channel, the following object types are also not supported by
the library:
 The project (PR) represents the project file (*.ssm) itself, and generally refers to a
machine or danger zone under analysis.
 The safety function (SF) is defined as a function of the machine under analysis failure of
which can lead to a direct increase in the risk. It is implemented by one or more subsys-
tems; it does not itself constitute a component however, but a functionality. It too cannot
therefore be managed in the library. Safety functions can be archived as samples in
(sample) projects, distributed and re-used.
Table 1 and Figure 4 show an overview of the objects stated, their rank in the hierarchy, and
the facilities for their management in the library.

Object type with abbreviation and Rank in the hierarchy Management by

symbol means of the
library

Project (PR) 1 No

Safety function (SF) 2 No

Subsystem (SB) 3 Yes

Channel (CH) 4 Indirect

Test channel (TE) 4 Indirect

Block (BL) 5 Yes

Element (EL) 6 Yes

Table 1: Overview of SISTEMA object types

SISTEMA Cookbook 5 (Version 2.0) 13 / 85

3 Library structure and interfaces to it

Figure 4: Hierarchical levels considered in SISTEMA

The help file of the software is installed together with SISTEMA and provides a comprehen-
sive description of the objects. Further information is provided by the SISTEMA cookbooks.
SISTEMA offers manufacturers of components/parts of control systems the facility to create
SISTEMA libraries of their own. The limits of the integrated library editor are however rapidly
reached when the number of components is large. We therefore seek to support the compo-
nent manufacturers by implementing further interfaces.

3.5 Interfaces to SISTEMA libraries

SISTEMA offers a number of interfaces for SIS-libs (upper part of Figure 5) and for project
files which demonstrate the Performance Level of the safety functions.
The simplest interface to SIS-libs is provided by the integrated library editor (Figure 5, right-
hand GUI). Once the user has become familiar with the user interface, values and infor-
mation can be entered and verified directly in the objects of a SIS-lib without additional tools.
The user interface and the various input methods are described in Chapters 4 and 11. For
smaller libraries, this editor will be the tool of choice.
However, this interface does not allow content to be generated automatically from an existing
body of data. The SQL interface to the database is more suitable in this case. SISTEMA pro-
vides an import interface for VDMA-libs, since this format is available only to product manu-
facturers.

SISTEMA Cookbook 5 (Version 2.0) 14 / 85

3 Library structure and interfaces to it

Figure 5: Interfaces to SISTEMA

The Path B shown in Figure 5 – the development of an import filter for the conversion of SIS-
libs – is not permissible.

SISTEMA Cookbook 5 (Version 2.0) 15 / 85

4 The user interface for SISTEMA libraries

4 The user interface for SISTEMA libraries

The simplest way of creating, editing and using SISTEMA libraries is by means of the library
window integrated into SISTEMA's graphical user interface. Reference has already been
made to the limits of the editor when library content is to be generated on a larger scale (see
Section 3.5).
This chapter describes, in the first instance, calling up and closing of this window and the
GUI structure of the SISTEMA library window. The detailed procedures for the various tasks
involving libraries are described in Chapters 7 and 11.

4.1 Calling up and closing the SISTEMA library window

The SISTEMA library window is called up in the main SISTEMA window by means of:
• The "Edit -> Library" menu item or the Ctrl+B keyboard shortcut
• The "Library" button in the toolbar (Figure 6)
• The "Library" button in the various list views of the SISTEMA subsystems, channels,
blocks or elements objects (for an example, see Figure 7 for blocks in Channel 1)

Figure 6: "Library" button in the toolbar of the main window

Figure 7: "Library" button in the blocks list view

Important: a report cannot be generated in the main window whilst the SISTEMA
library window is open, even if it has been minimized. The reverse also applies: if the
report display is opened, the SISTEMA library window cannot be opened.

SISTEMA Cookbook 5 (Version 2.0) 16 / 85

4 The user interface for SISTEMA libraries

The SISTEMA library window can be closed in a number of ways:

• By clicking on Windows' "Close" button of the window (top right-hand corner, white cross
in a red field) or by means of the "Close Window" command in the Windows task bar
• By means of the "File -> Close" menu item or the Alt+F4 keyboard shortcut
• By means of the "Close" button in the centre-left of the library window (Figure 8)
Figure 8: "Close" button in the library window

4.2 Structure of the SISTEMA library window user interface

The user interface of the library window is similar in structure to the SISTEMA main window:
the control space at the top edge of the window with its menu bars and toolbars can be used
to control and configure the libraries. The centre of the window contains a workspace, a
navigation pane with tree view (left), a message pane (bottom), and a context pane (bottom
left). A help pane for context help, as in the SISTEMA main window, is not provided; the help
file can however be opened separately ("Help -> Help" menu item). The control space and
navigation pane differ from those in the SISTEMA main window.
The size of the areas, i.e. the position of the borders between them, can be adjusted by
means of the left mouse button. The context and message panes can be hidden and unhid-
den via the menu or by keyboard shortcuts. The user interface arrangement of the complete
library window is saved in the Windows registry when SISTEMA is closed, and is restored
when SISTEMA is next launched. The factory settings can be restored by means of the
SISTEMA configurator, which is launched separately (without SISTEMA running).

4.2.1 The control space

The control space provides the following information (Figure 9):

Figure 9: Control space of the library window

• "Libraries" list (left): contains all libraries previously opened. This list is stored in the Win-
dows registry when SISTEMA is closed, and is read in again when SISTEMA is next
launched. Selecting a list entry loads the library in question into RAM, thereby making its
SISTEMA Cookbook 5 (Version 2.0) 17 / 85
4 The user interface for SISTEMA libraries

objects accessible. Following closing of the library window, the last SIS-lib selected
remains loaded in RAM, and is available again immediately when the window is opened
again.
Each list entry displays the library name and the associated file path and file name. The
write-protection status is indicated by a symbol (padlock) before the name:

- Indicates write-protected libraries.

- Indicates writeable libraries.

- Indicates that SISTEMA has not read out any information on the write-protection
status of the library. Select the library in order to check its write-protection status.
 "Library properties" list (right): permits viewing and (in the case of non-write-protected
libraries) configuration of the meta information for a loaded library. The following infor-
mation is displayed: the name (to be determined by the user; this may differ from the file
name and may also contain special characters), location, author (the Windows user
name is the default), last change, library version (to be determined by the user), version
of the standard, version of SISTEMA, and information on the library currently selected (to
be determined by the user; see Section 11.10). This list can be unhidden and hidden by
means of the left-pointing black triangle control element in the centre divider.

4.2.2 Navigation pane

The navigation pane (Figure 10) provides the following actions and control elements in five
areas:

Figure 10: Navigation pane in the library window

A: Object filter
B: Toolbar

C: Tree view with context menu

D: Filter/search line

E: Buttons

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4 The user interface for SISTEMA libraries

Area A: Object filter

Each library manages three different object types: subsystem, block and element. The object
filter (Figure 11) at the top of the navigation pane is used to control which of the three types
is to be displayed in the navigation pane. Click on one of the three buttons to select the
object type. Only one type can be displayed at any one time. If no object of the selected type
is saved in the selected library, the navigation pane remains empty. The number of objects
present is shown in brackets after the object code SB, BL or EL.
Figure 11: Object filter for selection between the three object types

Area B: Toolbar
Square buttons can be found in the navigation pane between the object filter and the object
tree. These buttons have the following actions, which are active depending upon the context:

 "New subsystem/block/element":

 "New": adds the selected object to a new, empty sub-object.

 "Delete": deletes the selected object from the list.

 "Move One Up": moves the selected object upwards one place in the list.

 "Move One Down": moves the selected object downwards one place in the list.

 "Show Filter Input": displays a line below the object tree showing control elements for
filtering the object tree.

 "Show Search Input": displays a line below the object tree showing control elements
for searching in the object tree.

 "One Up": moves the selected object up one level (in complex object structures)

Area C: Tree view with context menu

The objects in the tree view of the navigation pane are typically controlled by means of the
mouse. The corresponding keyboard shortcuts are described in Section 4.3. Left-clicking with
the mouse on one of the objects selects it for display/editing. Right-clicking on an object
opens a context menu containing the following commands, which are active or not depending
upon the context:

 "Expand All": all objects below the selected object are displayed (the object tree
expands).

 "Collapse": the object tree below the selected object is minimized. The objects below
the level concerned are no longer visible.

 "New": inserts a new, empty object into the selected object list.

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 "Load from VDMA library…": opens the VDMA library window. A VDMA 66413 use
case can be loaded into the SIS-lib.

 "Delete": deletes the selected object from the list.

 "Load Selection": copies an object from the library into the project. The object is
inserted as a lower-level object below the object currently selected in the project.

 "Load & Close": copies an object from the library into the project, and closes the
library window.

 "Print Tree View…": a printer dialog is opened and the current view of the object tree
(fully or partly maximized) is printed on the selected printer.

 "Cut": this command is not available in the navigation pane of the library window, in
order to prevent objects from being deleted from a library inadvertently.

 "Copy": copies the selected object into the Windows clipboard.

 "Paste": inserts an object from the Windows clipboard, provided it is compatible as a

lower-level object to the object currently selected.

 "Move One Up": moves the selected object upwards one place in the list.

 "Move One Down": moves the selected object downwards one place in the list.

 "Sort A-Z": sorts the list of objects in ascending alphanumeric order.

 "Sort Z-A": sorts the list of objects in descending alphanumeric order.

 "Filter": displays a line below the object tree showing control elements for filtering the
object tree.

 "Search": displays a line below the object tree showing control elements for search-
ing in the object tree.
Area D: Filter/search line
This area is visible only when the filter/search function is activated by the command referred
to above. The line contains the following buttons:

 "Close": the line is hidden and the function terminated.

 "Filter/Search": a string that is to be filtered or searched for in the

object names is entered in the field to the right. The function is launched with the Enter
key. Following filtering, only objects with names containing the filter string are displayed.
During searching, objects in the tree structure with names containing the search string
are marked and can be selected in turn.

 "Automatically Update Filter": when the string in the input field is changed, the filter
function is launched immediately, without the Enter key having to be pressed. The back-
ground of the button is dark when this option is active.

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 "Match Case": when this option is active, the case of the filter string is matched dur-
ing filtering. The background of the button is dark.

 "Show Next Match": during searching, the next object in the search tree after the
current selection that contains the search string in its name is selected. The Cursor Down
key executes the same command.

 "Show Previous Match": during searching, the previous object in the search tree
before the current selection that contains the search string in its name is selected. The
Cursor Up key executes the same command.

Area E: Buttons
Large buttons are provided in the lower space for frequent actions:
 "Set Changes" button: saves the current changes in the library file. Active only if changes
have been made.

 "Load Selection" button: copies the selected object from the library into the project.
This button is available only if the following conditions are met:
- In the Navigation pane, an object of the highest displayed hierarchical level (subsys-
tem, block or element) has been marked with the mouse. This is the object to be
loaded. In Figure 10 it is the selected subsystem "SB2".
- In the SISTEMA main window, an object of the next hierarchical level up is marked.
The object to be loaded can subsequently be copied into this object (a safety function
for the selected "SB2").
Loading creates a copy of the selected object and adds it to the selection in the main
window. The library window remains open.

 "Load & Close" button: copies the selected object (as described in the previous
action), then closes the library window.

 "Close" button: closes the library window. A message draws attention to libraries that
have not yet been saved.

Copying of objects between the object trees in the main window and the library window is
also possible in both directions by drag and drop, i.e. by dragging an object with the left
mouse button depressed.
A general rule is that objects may be inserted only at suitable points. The paste operation is
not otherwise performed, or the "Paste" or "Load" commands are not active, but greyed out.
The following constraints apply:
 An element can be inserted only into a block.
 A block can be inserted only into a channel/test channel.
 A subsystem can be inserted only into a safety function.
Where a library is write-protected, only the "Copy" operation is possible; "Paste", "Cut" and
"Delete" operations are not possible.

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4.2.3 The workspace

The workspace is located in the centre of the SISTEMA library window. The input dialogs for
the object currently selected in the navigation pane are displayed here. The input dialogs for
subsystems, channels, blocks and elements are the same as those in the SISTEMA main
window.

4.2.4 The context pane

The context pane is displayed at the bottom left of the library window. It summarizes the
parameters of the selected objects and also those of the higher-level objects. The context
pane is the same as that in the SISTEMA main window, with the exception that safety func-
tions cannot be displayed. The "View -> Context" menu item (Ctrl+K) hides and unhides this
window.

4.2.5 The status of objects

Objects are marked with their current status before the object name in the various areas of
the user interface. SISTEMA differentiates between three states:

 A green tick indicates that no warnings, errors, inconsistencies or unsatisfied condi-

tions are active for the object concerned. Information in the message pane should how-
ever be observed.

 A yellow dot indicates that at least one warning is active for the object (see message
pane).

 A red cross indicates that the object exhibits at least one error, inconsistency, or
unsatisfied condition (see message pane).
The status of an object is inherited by the object on the next level up in the hierarchy. The
status with the highest priority takes precedence. The highest priority is the red status, the
lowest the green status.
Should a library contain objects with red status, analysis is not possible or has not been
completed successfully.
When objects have the yellow status, the user of the objects must observe the warning mes-
sages. The analysis has however been completed successfully.

4.2.6 The message pane

Like the main SISTEMA window, the message pane (Figure 12) contains information, warn-
ing and error messages concerning the selected object. The "View -> Message" menu item
(Ctrl+M) hides and unhides this pane.

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Figure 12: Message pane

Each message is marked by a symbol showing the status of the object (see Section 4.2.5).
The message with the highest priority also determines the status of the object. The list in the
message pane shows the messages for the selected object and for all objects on the levels
below it. Messages relating directly to the selected object are highlighted by a yellow back-
ground. The messages for the lower-level objects have a white background. Double-click on
a message to jump to the object concerned; this object then becomes the current selection.
An object for which no messages exist also has green status, but is not shown in the mes-
sage pane.
In the example (Figure 12), "Channel 1" contains a green message. "Channel 2" contains no
message, but the objects "BL1" and "BL2" in Channel 2 have messages with yellow status.
"Channel 2" thus has the overall status of yellow, which is shown in the navigation pane.

4.2.7 The toolbar

The toolbar (Figure 13) is located directly below the menu bar.
Figure 13: Toolbar of the library window

The toolbar provides rapid access to all SISTEMA library-related commands:

 "Create New Library": creates a new, empty SIS-lib and appends it to the list (see
Section 11.1).

 "Add local Library": opens a file manager in which a SIS-lib present in the local file
system can be inserted into the list (see Section 7.1).

 "Add Network Library": links a SIS-lib on the network server into the list. Further infor-
mation on this function can be found in SISTEMA Cookbook 2 (see Section 7.2).

 "Close Library": removes the selected SIS-lib from the list. The SIS-lib is however not
deleted (see Section 7.4).

 "Lock Library": saves a write-protected copy of the selected SIS-lib. Objects can be
loaded from a write-protected SIS-lib; no modifications can however be made within the
library (see Section 11.6).

 "Library properties": shows the properties of the selected SIS-lib in a separate win-
dow. Some properties can be edited (see Section 11.10).

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4.2.8 The menu bar

The menu bar contains four menus: "File", "Edit", "View" and "Help". The majority of menu
items have already been explained in the preceding sections.
The "View -> Context“ and "View -> Message" menu items unhide and hide these windows.
"Refresh" updates the complete object tree in the navigation pane.
The "Help -> Manufacturer Libraries" menu item opens the computer's standard browser and,
if an Internet connection exists, calls up the IFA web page of hyperlinks to the manufacturers'
libraries.

4.2.9 The status bar

Information on the content of the Windows clipboard is displayed on the left of the status bar
at the bottom of the window (Figure 14). Should the clipboard contain objects, the associated
symbol and object name are displayed.

A round symbol may be displayed to the right of the "clipboard" display. If the mouse
pointer is moved over this symbol, system messages and help information are displayed.
The SIS-lib currently selected is displayed in the middle of the status bar, as is the "padlock"
indicating its write-protection status. Figure 14 shows an open padlock, indicating a library
without write protection.
Figure 14: Status bar of the library window showing all elements

4.3 Keyboard shortcuts for the SISTEMA library window

SISTEMA functions can also be accessed by keyboard shortcuts. These appear adjacent to
the items in the menu bar, and in the readme file. The readme file is opened in the work-
space when the "Projects" folder (first line of the object tree) is clicked on in the navigation
pane of the SISTEMA main window. General keyboard shortcuts for the main and library
windows are shown in Table 2. Further keyboard shortcuts are available in the library window
(Table 3).

Shortcuts Action Shortcuts Action Shortcuts Action

New (project
Ctrl+C Copy Ctrl+Ins Ctrl+B Open library
or object)
Delete (tree or Load from
Ctrl+Alt+C Copy into library Ctrl+Del Ctrl+Alt+B
object) selected library
Unhide/hide
Ctrl+V Insert Ctrl+N New project Ctrl+H
message pane
Unhide/hide
Ctrl+X Cut Ctrl+L Load project Ctrl+K
context pane
Move object Display option
Ctrl+Cursor up Ctrl+S Save project Ctrl+O
upwards window
Move object Save project
Ctrl+Cursor down Ctrl+Alt+S Ctrl+R Show summary
downwards as ...
Information on
Ctrl+Home One level upwards Ctrl+P Print project CTRL+I
SISTEMA

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4 The user interface for SISTEMA libraries

Page up One page up Ctrl+E Export as PDF F1 Help

"What's this?"
Page down One page down Ctrl+F4 Close project F3
help
Jump to the begin- Close all
Home Ctrl+Alt+F4 Ctrl+F3 Context help
ning of the tree/list projects
Edit the
Jump to the end of
End F2 selected object Alt+F3 Open wizard
the tree/list
name
Alt+F4 Quit SISTEMA
Refresh
F5
view/tree
Table 2: General keyboard shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts Action

Ctrl+B Add local library
Alt+B Add network library
Ctrl+Alt+B Create new library
Ctrl+F4 Close library
Ctrl+N Create new object in the tree
Ctrl+S Set changes to the library
Ctrl+P Lock library
Ctrl+I Library information
Alt+F4 Close library window
Table 3: Additional keyboard shortcuts in the SISTEMA library window

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5 Die Benutzeroberfläche für VDMA-Bibliotheken

5 User interface for VDMA libraries

This chapter describes calling up and closing of the library window for files in the VDMA
Specification 66413 format ("VDMA libraries", see Annex B) and the graphical structure of
the library window. The detailed operating processes for the various tasks performed with
VDMA libraries are described in Chapter 8.

5.1 Calling up and closing the VDMA library window

The VDMA library window is called up in the SISTEMA main window by means of:
• The "Edit -> VDMA Library" menu item
• The "VDMA Library" button in the toolbar (Figure 15)
• The "VDMA Library" button in the various list views of the SISTEMA subsystem, channel,
block or element objects (for an example, see Figure 16 for blocks in Channel 1)

Figure 15: "VDMA Library" button in the toolbar of the main window

Figure 16: "VDMA Library" button in the blocks list view

The VDMA library window can be closed in a number of ways:

• By clicking on the Windows' "Close" button of the window (top right-hand corner, white
cross on a red field)
• By means of the "Close Window" command in the Windows task bar
• By means of the "File -> Close" menu item or the Alt+F4 keyboard shortcut

5.2 Structure of the VDMA library window

The VDMA library window is similar in structure to the SISTEMA library window: the menu
and toolbar at the top of the window are used to control and configure the VDMA libraries.

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The window also features a workspace in the middle, a navigation pane with tree view on the
left, and a message pane at the bottom. The window has no context window, status bar or
help window. The control space, workspace and navigation pane differ from those of the
SISTEMA library window.
The size of the areas, i.e. the position of the dividers between them, can be adjusted by
means of the left mouse button. The message pane can be hidden and unhidden by means
of the menu or keyboard shortcuts. The position and layout of the entire library window are
saved in the Windows registry when SISTEMA is closed, and recreated when it is next
launched. The factory settings can be restored by means of the SISTEMA configurator,
which is launched separately (without SISTEMA running).

5.2.1 Navigation pane

The navigation pane (Figure 17) provides the following actions and control elements in three
areas:

Figure 17: Navigation pane in the VDMA library window

A: Toolbar

B: Tree view with context menu

C: Filter/search line

Area A: Toolbar
The navigation pane contains square buttons above the object tree. These are used to per-
form the following actions, which are active depending upon the context:

 "Delete": deletes the selected manufacturer and all lower-level libraries/only the
selected library from the list. Devices and use cases cannot be deleted.

 "Show Search Input": displays a line below the object tree showing control elements
for searching in the object tree.

 "Show Filter Input": displays a line below the object tree showing control elements for
filtering the object tree.

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• "Load data from all VDMA 66413 files": All libraries loaded in the object tree are
loaded from their files. When SISTEMA is launched and the VDMA library window
opened, all previously loaded manufacturers and libraries are displayed, but their content
is loaded only upon request (individually, or with this command completely).

Area B: Tree view with context menu

Unlike in the SISTEMA library window, the list of manufacturers and their loaded VDMA
libraries are displayed directly in the navigation pane in the form of a hierarchical structure.
The hierarchy of the objects comprises the following object types (Figure 18):
Figure 18: Object types in the VDMA library window

• "SISTEMA VDMA 66413 Database": this is the top-level object in the hierarchy, the
root of the object tree. This object contains all manufacturers added in the navigation
pane.

• "Manufacturer": object type for manufacturers and suppliers of VDMA libraries. The
manufacturer name is unique. The object contains all libraries from the manufacturer in
question that have been added in the navigation pane.

• "Library": object type for VDMA libraries. This shows the file name of the library. This
object is also termed a "database". It contains all devices from the manufacturer in ques-
tion listed in this library.

• "Device": object type for devices in a VDMA library. It shows the device names. This
object contains one or more use cases for this device (Figure 19). If devices are marked
by the manufacturer as "archive data", their names are shaded in brown (Figure 20).
These devices may no longer be available and should for example no longer be used for
new projects. These archive data can be unhidden and hidden in the tree by means of an
option in the "Edit -> Options -> VDMA Library" menu item.

Figure 19: One device with three use cases

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Figure 20: Two versions of one device (archive data with shaded in brown)

A use case defines the corresponding set of reliability values for the described application of
the device. Each use case corresponds to one of the four device types defined in VDMA
Specification 66413. These can be copied into a suitable SISTEMA object. Accordingly, a
SISTEMA symbol with a digit for the device type appears in front of each use case of a
device:

 Device types 1 and 4 correspond to the SISTEMA subsystem.

 Device type 2 can be used as a SISTEMA block or element for components not sub-
ject to wear.

 Device type 3 can be used as a SISTEMA block or element for components subject
to wear.

The objects in the tree view of the navigation pane are typically controlled by means of the
mouse. Left-clicking with the mouse on one of the objects selects it for display/editing. Right-
clicking on an object opens a context menu containing the following commands, which are
active or not depending upon the context:

 "Expand All": all objects below the selected object are displayed (the object tree
expands fully).

 "Collapse All": the object tree below the selected object is minimized. The objects
below the selected object are no longer visible.

 "Expand": only the objects below the selected object are displayed (the object tree
expands partly).

 "Collapse": only the object tree below the selected object is minimized. The objects
below the selected object are no longer visible.

 "Copy": copies the selected object into the Windows clipboard.

 "Remove manufacturer": removes the selected manufacturer and all lower-level

libraries from the object tree.

 "Close library": closes the selected library and deletes the library object from the
object tree.

 "SISTEMA Project": copies the selected use case to the previously selected location
in the SISTEMA project. The command is effective only when the target of the copy
operation has been properly selected.

 "SISTEMA Library": copies the selected use case into the previously selected
SISTEMA library. Device types 1 and 4 are copied into the list of subsystems, device
types 2 and 3 into the list of blocks.
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 "Read Library:" if one or more libraries from a manufacturer have not yet been loaded
after SISTEMA is launched, the action can be triggered by means of this command, spe-
cific to the manufacturer in question.

 "Reload Library": the data from the libraries of one manufacturer or all manufacturers
are reloaded, depending upon the selected point on the object tree.

 "Sort A-Z": sorts the list of objects in ascending alphanumeric order.

 "Sort Z-A": sorts the list of objects in descending alphanumeric order.

 "Search": displays a line below the object tree showing control elements for search-
ing in the object tree.

 "Filter": displays a line below the object tree showing control elements for filtering the
object tree.

 "Properties": object-specific properties are displayed in a separate pane.

Area C: Filter/search line

This area is visible only when the filter/search function is activated by the command referred
to above. The line contains the following buttons:

 "Close": the line is hidden and the function terminated.

 "Filter/Search": a string that is to be filtered or searched for in the

object names is entered in the field to the right. The function is launched with the Enter
key. Following filtering, only objects with names containing the filter string are displayed.
During searching, objects in the tree structure with names containing the search string
are marked and can be selected in turn.
Filtering is possible only within a manufacturer. All other libraries are not analysed (their
names remain in italics and shaded in yellow for the duration of the operation).

 "Automatically Update Filter": when the string in the input field is changed, the filter
function is launched immediately, without the Enter key having to be pressed. The back-
ground of the button is then dark.

 "Match Case": when this option is active, the case of the filter string is matched dur-
ing filtering. The background of the button is dark.

 "Show Next Match:" during searching, the next object in the search tree after the
current selection that contains the search string in its name is selected. The Cursor Down
key executes the same command.

 "Show Previous Match:" during searching, the previous object in the search tree
before the current selection that contains the search string in its name is selected. The
Cursor Up key executes the same command.

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5.2.2 The workspace

The workspace is located in the centre of the library window. The display dialogs for the
object currently selected in the navigation pane appear here. Since the VDMA libraries are
read-only, no inputs are possible. Any entries required (nop, RDF, etc.) can be input only
once a use case has been copied into the project. The text, graphics and values shown are
explained in detail in VDMA Specification 66413 (see Annex B). When the use cases have
been copied, terminology may change. For example, "TMT_1" becomes "Mission time" in
SISTEMA.
Two tabs are shown in the workspace: on the left, details of the selected object, and on the
right, the list of lower-level objects in multiple columns. Commands are available for the
selected list objects as described above (see Figure 21 for an example).
Figure 21: List of use cases

5.2.3 Status of objects

Objects are marked with their current status before the object name in the various areas of
the VDMA library window. SISTEMA recognizes three status settings:

 A green tick indicates that no warnings, errors, inconsistencies or unsatisfied condi-

tions are active for the object concerned. Observe any information in the message pane,
however.

 A yellow dot indicates that at least one warning is active for the object (see message
pane).

 A red cross indicates that the object exhibits at least one error, inconsistency, or
unsatisfied condition (see message pane).
The status of an object is inherited by the object on the next level up in the hierarchy. The
status with the highest priority always takes precedence. The highest priority in this case is
red status, the lowest green status.
Should a library contain objects with red status, the objects cannot be used.
When objects with yellow status are used, it is imperative for the user to observe the warning
messages for the objects. The analysis has however then been completed successfully.

5.2.4 The message pane

Like the main SISTEMA window, the message pane displays information, warning and error
messages concerning the selected object. The "View -> Messages" menu item hides and
unhides this pane.

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5.2.5 The toolbar

The toolbar (Figure 22) is located directly below the menu bar.
Figure 22: Toolbar of the VDMA library window

The toolbar provides rapid access to all commands relating to VDMA libraries:

 "Add Library": opens a file manager in which a library present in a local or remote file
system can be inserted into the list (see Section 8.1).

 "Close Library": removes the selected library from the list. The library is however not
deleted (see Section 8.2).

 "Read all Libraries": all libraries loaded in the navigation pane are reloaded.

 "Library Language": opens a dialog in which a VDMA 66413 language file can be
loaded or closed (see Section 5.4).

5.2.6 The menu bar

The menu bar contains four menus: "File", "Edit", "View" and "Help". The majority of menu
items have already been explained in the preceding sections.
The "Help -> Manufacturers' Libraries" menu item opens the computer's standard browser
and, provided an Internet connection exists, calls up the IFA web page of hyperlinks to the
manufacturers' libraries.

5.3 Keyboard shortcuts for the VDMA library window

General keyboard shortcuts for the main and library windows are shown in Table 2. Further
keyboard shortcuts are available in the VDMA library window (Table 4).

Shortcuts Action
Ctrl+L Add library
Ctrl+Del Close library/remove manufacturer
Ctrl+Alt+F5 Read all Libraries
Ctrl+F5 Read Library
Shift+F5 Reload Library
Ctrl+T Library Language
Ctrl+S SISTEMA Project
Ctrl+Alt+S SISTEMA Library
Ctrl+C Copy
Ctrl+U Search
Ctrl+F Filter
Ctrl+H Messages
Alt+F4 Close VDMA library window
Table 4: Additional keyboard shortcuts in the VDMA library window

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5.4 Languages of the VDMA libraries

The XML files of VDMA libraries may already contain several language versions of the text.
The languages can be selected in the workspace of the library (Figure 23). All text is then
displayed in the selected language and can be copied into SISTEMA.
Figure 23: Selection of a language in the dialog for VDMA libraries

In addition to the languages supplied with the library, a manufacturer may make further lan-
guage versions available subsequently for a certain VDMA library in the form of a "language
file". These language versions can be added by means of the "Library Language" command
on the toolbar (see Section 5.2.5) for the library currently selected (Figure 24). SISTEMA
then checks whether the language file matches the library; if not, an error message appears
in the message pane.
Figure 24: Window for management of the supplementary VDMA language files

5.5 Options for VDMA libraries

The "Edit -> Options -> VDMA Library" menu item in the SISTEMA main window provides a
number of options for control of the VDMA library window (Figure 25).
The checks of the VDMA 66413 files should always be activated. Manufacturers may disable
these checks during testing of new libraries.

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Figure 25: Options for VDMA libraries

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6 Obtaining SISTEMA libraries

6 Obtaining SISTEMA libraries

This chapter describes how searches can be performed for manufacturers' SISTEMA librar-
ies and how they can be obtained for use. The IFA does not host SIS-libs on its own servers;
they must be obtained directly from the manufacturers. The IFA is not able to answer ques-
tions concerning the content of manufacturers' libraries, whether they will be released by
manufacturers, and if so when. Please direct such enquiries to the manufacturer or his sales
agents.
The "SISTEMA standard library" shipped with SISTEMA does not contain any objects. It is
intended solely to enable SISTEMA users to test the library functions, for example by creat-
ing their own objects, etc. For programming reasons, this standard library cannot be removed
from the list of libraries.

6.1 Information page at the IFA

The IFA's website contains two information pages with links to numerous manufacturers'
SISTEMA libraries (Figure 26):
http://www.dguv.de/webcode/e92603 (English)
http://www.dguv.de/webcode/d92599 (German)
These pages list, in alphabetical order, the names of all companies providing SISTEMA
libraries that have been reported to the IFA, together with links to the download areas of
their SIS-libs. The procedure for downloading libraries or where applicable for registering for
their use is not defined by the IFA, and varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Not all
manufacturers who make SIS-libs available are known to the IFA and linked to from the IFA
website.
Figure 26: IFA web page providing information on manufacturers' libraries (as at 19 July 2016)

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6 Obtaining SISTEMA libraries

The web pages can also be accessed directly from the help menu in the SISTEMA library
window (Figure 27) by means of the "Manufacturer Libraries" command. If the PC is online,
its default browser is launched and the page loaded.
Figure 27: IFA web page of manufacturers' libraries shown in the browser

6.2 Downloading from manufacturers' websites and saving the SISTEMA

libraries

The manufacturers' SIS-libs are generally hosted together with the product documentation in
the form of an archive file, and can be downloaded to a local computer for use. Depending
upon the volume of the data, a manufacturer may offer one or more SIS-libs. SIS-libs can
generally be downloaded free of charge. The IFA charges no licence fees, either to manu-
facturers or to users, for use of the SIS-lib technology.
The standard folder on the local system for the saving and opening of SIS-libs is (example:
Windows 7):
C:\User\<user name>\My Documents\SISTEMA\Libraries
The SIS-libs can however be saved in any desired location in the local file system of the
SISTEMA user's computer, and opened again from there. A condition is that the SIS-lib can
be opened by SISTEMA in a local folder (internal or external hard drive, plug-in memory
media). The "Add local Library" command is used for this purpose (see Section 7.1). An
attempt to open a library that is not saved locally, such as a library on a network drive, trig-
gers an error message (Figure 28). The SIS-lib must be copied to the local computer if
necessary.

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6 Obtaining SISTEMA libraries

Figure 28: Error message output when a library is opened that is not saved locally

If the SIS-lib is not merely a file but is stored in an archive file together with other documents,
the archive file must be unpacked with retention of the internal folder structure. The docu-
ments for the individual objects can then generally be opened directly from within the loaded
SIS-lib ("Open" button to the right of the "Document" input field).

6.3 Differences between local and network libraries

SISTEMA was originally programmed exclusively as a client application for use by a single
user on a PC. Up to and including Version 1.1.2, libraries had to be present on the local hard
drive, since the simple "embedded" version of the "Firebird" open database technology was
used for accessing these files. This "local" variant of a Firebird server assumes exclusive
access to the file. This is not assured in the case of a network drive.
The Firebird server has been supported since SISTEMA Version 1.1.3. With this variant, the
libraries are managed by a "true" database server that enables manufacturers' databases to
be hosted centrally where they can be used by several people simultaneously on a network.
A guide to this arrangement can be found in SISTEMA Cookbook 2. The internal database
files for the SISTEMA installation can also be stored on this database server, besides the
libraries. Transfer of the exclusive access entitlement to the Firebird server enables multiple
instances to be launched in parallel on a computer, as a result of which terminal server-client
hosting for example can be implemented. The IFA has also published SISTEMA Cookbook
3, which describes this mode and the necessary configuration.

6.4 Transferring SISTEMA libraries to a network server

Provided a database server has been configured as described in SISTEMA Cookbook 2 and
access rights are granted, SIS-libs can be hosted centrally on a server. For this purpose, one
person should receive access rights to the Firebird server, to which he or she should copy or
move the desired SIS-libs. It is important that this person knows the local path for this access
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6 Obtaining SISTEMA libraries

entitlement. They also require the IP addresses or network name of the server. The access
entitlement has the sole function of copying, moving and information exchange. SISTEMA
does not require this entitlement, since access to the SIS-lib is provided via the Firebird
server service.
These SIS-libs can now be accessed for use by means of the information provided (IP/host
name and local path of the SIS-libs, e.g. 192.168.1.10:C:\SSM-databases\manufacturerXYa-
SSM-DB.slb) through the "Add Network Library" menu item.
SISTEMA supports management of these network libraries in a plain-text file; the complete
address need therefore be entered only there. Any individual with access to the plain-text file
can in turn read the address and then load the new SIS-lib directly from the database server
(see Section 7.2).

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7 Working with SISTEMA libraries

7 Working with SISTEMA libraries

This chapter describes how SIS-libs already stored locally or on the network server can be
opened and the objects copied from the SIS-libs into a project.

7.1 Opening local libraries

The command for loading SIS-libs stored on local data media into the library window is "Add
local Library". This command opens a file manager (Figure 29) in which the folder and the
SIS-lib can be selected and added to the list of libraries with the "Open" button. This results
in the SIS-lib being loaded into RAM. The objects contained in the SIS-lib are displayed in
the navigation pane, according to the selection made in the object filter (Figure 11).
Figure 29: File manager for the loading of SISTEMA libraries stored locally

7.2 Opening network libraries

Network libraries have also been supported since SISTEMA Version 1.1.3. The required
database parameters (IP-address or name of the database server and file name of the
library) are made known by the responsible administrator in your company, generally in the
form of a list in a plain-text file (see SISTEMA Cookbook 2, Section 1.4). Once the server PC
hosting the libraries and the lists has been configured and a network connection is available
to the server PC, the libraries can be opened. A description follows of the two options, i.e.
entering a single library or a list of several libraries.
The SISTEMA library window contains the "Add Network Library" command. This command
calls up a dialog (Figure 30) in which you can enter the library parameters, check the status
of the library, and add it to the list of libraries. It can then be used in the same way as any
other library. Please note the further information in Chapter 3 of SISTEMA Cookbook 2.

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7 Working with SISTEMA libraries

7.2.1 Reporting a single library

Enter the parameters for a single library on the server in the "Server name/IP-address" and
"Database file name" fields under "Network database parameter" at the top of the "Add
SISTEMA Network library" dialog (Figure 30). The complete database name required is gen-
erated automatically as the "Identified database name". After entering the parameters, use
the "Check connection status of the library" button to test whether a connection to the
desired library can be established and the library therefore actually used.
Only once the test of the "Identified database name" has been passed is the "Add" button
enabled. Clicking on the "Add" button causes this entry to be added to the list of libraries and
the library to be loaded.
Figure 30: Dialog for loading of network libraries

7.2.2 Reporting a list of libraries

A function also exists by which an entry can be made automatically. This is possible in the
middle of the dialog under "Import database parameters (optional)", which enables you to
import a list of library file names (Figure 30). The list required for this purpose should be sup-
plied to you in the form of a plain-text file by the administrator of the Firebird server. Two
locations are essentially possible for this plain-text file: either locally on the PC, or on a cen-
tral drive accessible to all network users (refer to SISTEMA Cookbook 2, Section 1.4.1).

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7 Working with SISTEMA libraries

There are no constraints upon the file name of this plain-text file or the location in which it is
stored.
Click on the button with three dots to the right of the "File name of the database list" field in
order for this plain-text file containing the list of library file names to be read in via the file
manager.
Once the file has been read in, an entry (i.e. a library) can be selected ("Selected database
entry"). The database parameters of this library then appear in the associated "Server
name/IP-address" and "Database file name" fields at the top of the dialog. The entries in the
plain-text file can be listed according to three sort criteria in the "Sort By" area: 1) list order,
2) server name/IP address, or 3) database file name.
The availability of the library must now be checked (click on "Check connection status of the
library"). If the library is available, clicking on the "Add" button causes it to be added to the list
of SISTEMA libraries. Libraries from this list can be added only one at a time. The procedure
must be repeated when several libraries are added from the list in the text file (select entry,
check connection status, add). The database list need not be selected again each time. The
window can be closed by means of the "Cancel" button.

7.3 Progress bar for the loading of libraries

Use the SISTEMA options ("Edit -> Options -> View -> Show progress bar" menu item) to
activate a progress bar (Figure 31) which shows the progress of loading a library into RAM
when it is opened. Display of the progress bar extends the duration of loading slightly.
Figure 31: Progress bar for the loading of libraries

7.4 Closing libraries

The name and file name of each library that has been loaded by means of the functions
referred to above are saved in the list of libraries. The list is stored in the registry each time
SISTEMA is closed and loaded again when SISTEMA is next launched. Use the "Close
Library" command ("File" menu, button, context menu or Ctrl+F4) to remove the selected
library name from the list. This enables the list to be kept concise and clear. Removing library
names from the list does not delete the library files.

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7 Working with SISTEMA libraries

7.5 Compatibility of libraries

The library properties also show the version of SISTEMA with which a library was created. It
may be possible for the library to be opened by a different version of SISTEMA. Four pos-
sible scenarios exist:
• The library was created by an older version of the SISTEMA program, but the database
definition is the same (the leading and middle version numbers are identical). No mes-
sage is output. The library is loaded, since the data are compatible.
• The library was created by a more recent version of the SISTEMA program (e.g. 1.1.6)
than the user's version (e.g. 1.1.5), but the database definition is the same (the leading
and middle version numbers are identical). A message is output that the current
SISTEMA version should be installed (Figure 32). The library is nevertheless loaded,
since the data are compatible.

Figure 32: Version difference message: the library is more recent than the program

• The library was created by a substantially more recent version of SISTEMA than the
user's version and the database definitions are not compatible (the leading or middle ver-
sion numbers differ). A message is output that the current SISTEMA version must be
installed. The library is not loaded.
• The library was created by a substantially older version (e.g. 1.0.4) of SISTEMA than the
user's version (e.g. 1.1.5); the database definitions are not compatible (the leading or
middle version numbers differ). In SISTEMA Versions 1.1.x, a message is output that an
up-to-date library must be obtained (Figure 33). The library is not loaded. In SISTEMA
Versions 2.x.x, attention is drawn to the version difference; the libraries are nevertheless
loaded and the database format converted.

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7 Working with SISTEMA libraries

Figure 33: Version difference message: the library is not compatible with the program

Should the database formats differ between the SISTEMA version used and the library to be
loaded (thereby necessitating conversion), write-protected SIS-libs are not opened (Figure
33). The write protection is respected. The person responsible must first convert the original
library, and then save it again with write protection. Further information on version control
and compatibility can be found in Section 11.8.

7.6 Paths for linked documents

Objects in a library are often linked in addition to documents in a range of formats (PDF,
XLS, DOC, JPEG, etc.). The "Document" input field in the various tabs is used to link these
documents. Provided the SIS-lib and the linked documents are stored in an appropriate
folder structure, the documents can be opened directly from within the loaded SIS-lib (for
example: "Documentation" tab of the objects, "Open" button to the right of the "Document"
input fields).
A frequently asked question when objects are inserted into a project is: how are the attached
documents handled, and can they be copied into the project or stored elsewhere?
At present (Version 2.0.x), these documents are not automatically copied into a project along
with an object. SISTEMA users must decide for themselves and take action if necessary. The
form of linking is crucial. A URL (i.e. a web address, e.g.
"http://www.sample_company.com/Document.pdf“) may be available, or a relative path to a
project folder (e.g. "..\sample_company\Document.pdf"). Absolute paths such as
"L:\sample_company\Document.pdf" are unlikely to occur in manufacturers' libraries. These
cases can be handled as follows:
• URL: either leave unchanged (the URL continues to be valid), or back up the document
by loading it from the URL and copying it into the project folder. For the sake of com-
pleteness, then assign this document to the project by means of the "Document" input
field. This ensures that the document can still be opened in the future even should the
URL cease to be valid. The URL could in this case then be copied, for example into the
"Documentation" field.
• Relative path: copy the manufacturers' documents into the project folder
("..\Documents\<relative path>") and check that the document can be opened correctly

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7 Working with SISTEMA libraries

from within the object in the project. Further information on relative paths can be found in
the SISTEMA help under the "Options" menu item.
• Absolute path: copy the manufacturers' documents (e.g. "<document file name>") into the
project folder, e.g. to "..\Documents\<manufacturer name>\<document file name>". Then
modify the absolute address in the input field to the relative address, in this case to
"..\<manufacturer's name>\<document file name>". Finally, check that the document can
be opened correctly from within the object in the project.

7.7 Selecting an object type of a library

After opening a library and loading it into RAM, select in the object filter at the top of the
navigation pane which of the three object types (subsystem, block or element) is to be dis-
played in the pane. Click on the object filter button for this purpose. Only one type can be
displayed at any one time. The navigation pane remains empty if the selected library con-
tains no objects of the selected type. In this case, change the type in the object filter. Further
information can be found in Section 4.2.2.

7.8 Copying objects from libraries

The typical task involving the use of libraries is the copying of objects (subsystems, blocks or
elements) into a SISTEMA project. This can be achieved by several different methods, which
are described below. These methods do not enable an object to be moved, i.e. deleted from
the SIS-lib. Objects can be deleted from the SIS-lib only by means of the "Delete" command,
and then only if the SIS-lib is not write-protected.
A general rule is that objects may be inserted only at suitable points. The paste operation is
not otherwise performed, or the "Paste" or "Load" commands are not active, but greyed out.
The following constraints apply:
• An element can be inserted either into a block or into a channel/test channel and con-
verted in the process into a block.
• A block can be inserted either into a channel/test channel or into a block and converted in
the process into an element.
• A subsystem can be inserted only into a safety function.
If one or more objects of the same type are already present, the inserted object is appended
by default to the last object of this type in the list. Only if drag and drop is used for copying
(see Section 7.8.3) can the insertion point within a list be specified (by means of the mouse
pointer).

7.8.1 Copying via the clipboard

An object can always be copied from a library and pasted into a project via the Windows
clipboard, as follows: use the right mouse button to open the context menu for the object to
be copied from the library, and select the "Copy" command. The "Cut" command is not avail-
able. The name of the object in the clipboard is displayed in the status bar. In the main menu,
select the intended location of the desired project ("Channel 2" in Figure 34) and open the
context menu again. The object (a block in this example) can then be inserted at the desired
point by means of the "Paste" command. The object can be inserted multiple times at suita-
ble locations, provided the clipboard is not overwritten. The "Paste" and "Copy" commands
are also accessible through the Ctrl+V and Ctrl+C shortcuts.
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7 Working with SISTEMA libraries

Figure 34: Using the clipboard to insert a library object into a project

7.8.2 Load from Library

Figure 34 shows a further command in the context menu: "Load from Library". When this
command is executed, the selected point (in this case "Channel 2") in the project is marked,
and the library window opens. The desired library and the appropriate object can now be
selected (the "Contactor relay K1" block in Figure 35). A right mouse click on this object
opens the context menu, which now contains the commands "Load Selection" and "Load &
Close". Both commands copy the object and insert it at the same time at the point marked
beforehand (in this case, "Channel 2"). "Load & Close" closes the library window following
this action. Conversely, it remains open after "Load Selection", and further objects (in this
case, further blocks) can be selected from libraries and inserted at the point marked without
the user having to toggle to the project.

Figure 35: Using the "Load Selection" command to insert a library object into a project

As an alternative to the context menu, the commands can also be executed by means of
the "Load Selection" and "Load & Close" buttons below the navigation pane, as shown in

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7 Working with SISTEMA libraries

Figure 35. As an alternative to the "Load from Library" command in the context menu, it is
sufficient to mark the target object and then to toggle to the library window. If the two win-
dows are arranged adjacent to each other on the screen, this is the quicker method.

7.8.3 Copying with drag and drop

A fast alternative to use of the clipboard is to copy an object from a library using the familiar
"drag and drop" function, as described in Section 11.2.5. In this case, select the object in the
library window by means of the left mouse button, and keep the mouse button depressed.
With the mouse button still depressed, drag the object to the main window in a project. Place
the mouse pointer over the desired object folder in the project, then release the mouse but-
ton to drop the object. The object is appended to the list. Conversely, if the object is dropped
onto an existing object in the list, the copied object is placed directly beneath it in the list.
This enables the sort order in the list to be controlled. The object name is displayed adjacent
to the mouse pointer as the object is dragged.
Drag and drop functions best when the two windows are located adjacent to each other on
one or two screens. Alternatively, the "Alt+Tab" function can be used to toggle between the
two windows with the mouse button depressed.

7.8.4 Order in the display and resorting objects

Once the objects have been copied into a project, their order in the list in the navigation pane
can be modified. This can be achieved in three different ways, as described in Section 11.3:
• Select an object and use the commands "Move One Up/Down" (context menu, button,
keyboard shortcut).
• Move the objects by means of drag and drop: the object to be sorted is placed above or
below another object when dropped upon it, depending upon the latter's position in the
list.
• Use the commands "Sort A-Z" or "Sort Z-A" to resort the object list.

7.9 Adding content to copied objects

When an object has been copied into a project, information must often be added in order to
permit proper analysis of the object or safety function. Only the user is able to do this, since
he or she is familiar with the control system concerned. Such information is for example the
diagnostic coverage (DC), and in the case of components subject to wear, statement of the
mean number of operations per year (nop).
Even if the SIS-lib is write-protected, this information can still be entered by the user after the
object has been copied into the project. It is essential that inadvertent changes to other val-
ues in the process be avoided.
To enable the new object to be identified in the project, an item designation, possibly an
inventory number and further project-specific comments are also often added to the object
name or the documentation.

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7 Working with SISTEMA libraries

7.10 Linking between SISTEMA projects and library objects

When an object is copied from a SIS-lib and inserted into a SISTEMA project, for example
via the clipboard, the object and all its data are embedded in the project's object table. A link
to the original library is not entered. Changes to the object in the project therefore have no
effect upon the data in the SIS-lib. By the same token, subsequent modifications to the object
in the SIS-lib have no influence upon the copy in the project.
At the present time (Version 2.0.x), SISTEMA is not able to check whether a more recent
version of an object in a project exists in a SIS-lib. Nor is it possible to check in what projects
a given object from a SIS-lib has been used.

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8 Working with VDMA libraries

8 Working with VDMA libraries

This chapter describes how libraries in the format of VDMA Specification 66413 ("VDMA-
libs") can be opened and objects from them copied into a project or a SIS-lib. In contrast to
the usual SIS-libs, it is irrelevant whether the VDMA-libs are stored locally or on a network
PC. Nor does a database server need to be installed on the network PC.

8.1 Opening VDMA libraries

The command for loading VDMA-libs into the VDMA library window is "Add Library". This
command opens a file manager (Figure 36) in which the folder and the VDMA-lib can be
selected and added to the list of manufacturers and libraries with the "Open" button. At the
same time, the VDMA-lib is loaded into memory and selected. The objects it contains are
displayed in the navigation pane (Figure 17).
Figure 36: File manager for the loading of VDMA libraries

8.2 Closing VDMA libraries

The name and the file name of each VDMA-lib that has been loaded by means of the func-
tions referred to above are saved in the list of manufacturers. The list is stored in the registry
each time SISTEMA is closed and is loaded again when SISTEMA is next launched. The
"Close Library" or "Close" command (in the "File" menu, button or context menu) deletes
the selected library name from the list. This enables the list to be kept concise and clear.
Removing library names from the list does not delete the library files.

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8 Working with VDMA libraries

8.3 Compatibility of VDMA libraries

The version of the VDMA Specification on which it is based is stated for each VDMA-lib in
the "VDMA 66413 Version" data field in the workspace. Libraries must be adapted by the
manufacturers when changes are made to definitions in the Specification. SISTEMA is also
adapted accordingly and a new version issued.

8.4 Paths for linked documents

Objects in a VDMA library are often linked in addition to documents. The "Document" input
field in the various tabs is used to link these documents. Clicking on the folder symbol to the
right of the input field opens the document in the relevant application.

8.5 Copying objects from libraries

All devices in a VDMA-lib together with their use cases are always displayed in the naviga-
tion pane when the object tree is maximized (Figure 17 on Page 27). Each use case corre-
sponds to a SISTEMA object type (subsystem, block or element, see Section 5.2.1, Area B).
The typical task involving the use of VDMA-libs is the copying of these objects into a
SISTEMA project or alternatively into a SISTEMA library. This can be achieved by several
different methods, which are described below. It is however not possible for an object to be
moved, i.e. deleted from the SIS-lib. Objects cannot be deleted from VDMA-libs, which are
always write-protected.
A general rule is that objects must be inserted at suitable points. The paste operation cannot
otherwise be performed, and the "SISTEMA Project" or "SISTEMA Library" commands are
not active, but greyed out. The following constraints apply:
• An element can be inserted either into a block or into a channel/test channel and con-
verted in the process into a block.
• A block can be inserted either into a channel/test channel or into a block and converted in
the process into an element.
• A subsystem can be inserted only into a safety function.
If an object of the same type already exists, the inserted object is always appended after the
last object of this type in the list. Only if drag and drop is used for copying (see Section 8.5.3)
can the insertion point within a list be specified (by means of the mouse pointer).

8.5.1 Copying via the clipboard

An object can always be copied from a VDMA-lib and pasted into a project or a SIS-lib via
the Windows clipboard, as follows: use the right mouse button to open the context menu for
the object to be copied from the library, and select the "Copy" command. The name of the
object in the clipboard is displayed in the status bar of the main window. Then, in the main
menu, select the intended location in the project, open the context menu again and insert the
object at the desired point with the "Paste" command. The object can be inserted multiple
times at suitable locations, provided the clipboard is not overwritten. The "Paste" and "Copy"
commands can also be executed through the "Ctrl+V" and "Ctrl+C" shortcuts.

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8 Working with VDMA libraries

8.5.2 Loading from a VDMA library

When using the "Load from VDMA Library" command, mark the selected point in the project
(e.g. a safety function) as the destination. The VDMA library window then opens. The desired
library and the appropriate object can now be selected (in Figure 37, the subsystem: "Drive
D.01, standard use case"). Right-clicking with the mouse on this object opens the context
menu, which also contains the commands "SISTEMA Project" and "SISTEMA Library". Both
commands copy the object and insert it at the point marked beforehand in the project, i.e. the
currently selected SIS-lib. Further objects of the same type can be selected from libraries
and inserted at the point marked without the user having to toggle to the project.
Figure 37: Using the "SISTEMA Project" command to insert a library object into a project

As an alternative to the context menu, the commands can also be executed by means of
buttons adjacent to the list of use cases (Figure 21, left).

8.5.3 Copying with drag and drop

A fast alternative to use of the clipboard is to copy an object from a VDMA-lib using the
familiar "drag and drop" function, as described in Section 11.2.5. Select the object (a use
case) in the library window by means of the left mouse button. With the mouse button still
depressed, drag the object to the main window in a project. Place the mouse pointer over the
desired higher-level object in the project, then release the mouse button to drop the object.
The object is appended to the list. Conversely, if the object is dropped onto an existing object
of the same type in the list, the copied object is inserted into the list directly beneath the
existing object. This enables the sort order in the list to be controlled. The object name is
displayed adjacent to the mouse pointer as the object is dragged.
Drag and drop is most convenient when the two windows are arranged adjacent to each
other on one or two screens. Alternatively, the "Alt+Tab" key combination can be used to
toggle between the two windows with the mouse button depressed.

8.6 Adding content to copied objects

When a use case has been copied into a project in the form of an object, information must
often be added in order to permit proper analysis of the object or safety function. Only the
user is able to do this, since he or she is familiar with the control system in question. Such
information concerns for example the diagnostic coverage (DC) values, and in the case of

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8 Working with VDMA libraries

components subject to wear, statement of the mean number of operations per year (nop). The
item designation and inventory number can also be entered if required.
Conversely, once copied into the project/SIS-lib, the device data and values can no longer be
modified by the user.

8.7 Linking between SISTEMA projects and VDMA library objects

When an object is copied and inserted into a SISTEMA project, for example via the clip-
board, the object and all its data are embedded in the project's object table. A link to the
source library is not entered. Changes to the object in the project therefore have no effect
upon the data in the VDMA-lib. By the same token, subsequent modifications to the object in
the VDMA-lib or newer versions of the VDMA-lib have no influence upon the copy in the
project.
At the present time (Version 2.0), SISTEMA is not able to check whether a more recent ver-
sion of an object in a project exists in a VDMA-lib. Nor is it possible to check in what projects
a given object from a VDMA-lib has been used.

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9 Libraries for operators of machinery

9 Libraries for operators of machinery

Operators should ensure that they receive not only the SISTEMA project files and the sum-
mary for the machine control system, but also the manufacturers' original libraries. Exten-
sions or modifications may make it necessary to update these projects. Safety-related com-
ponents may be held as spare parts, and fitted. The corresponding (older) libraries are then
required for these components.

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10 Modelling of components/parts of control systems in SISTEMA libraries

10 Modelling of components/parts of control systems in

SISTEMA libraries
This chapter describes how components and parts of control systems can be modelled as
objects for SISTEMA libraries. It is intended both for manufacturers of products and for per-
sons using SISTEMA and wishing to create their own user libraries. SISTEMA cannot how-
ever be used to create or edit libraries in the VDMA Specification 66413 format (see Annex
B).
The possibilities described in this chapter are implemented in a SISTEMA library of examples
accompanying SISTEMA Cookbook 5. The model library can be downloaded here:
http://www.dguv.de/webcode/e109249
Chapter 11 describes the steps for the input of objects into a library.

10.1 Using the SISTEMA objects

Distinction must be drawn between three object types: subsystems, blocks and elements.
Components/parts of control systems can be modelled in objects in several different ways.
Possible strategies are described below for the creation of a library. Annex D shows an
example of a list in which typical components/parts of control systems are mapped to the
object types.
SISTEMA is flexible in the modelling of components/parts of control systems in SISTEMA
objects. Two essential alternatives exist:
1. The resulting parameters (e.g. PL, SIL, PFHD, MTTFD) of the components/parts of control
systems are calculated not in SISTEMA, but by other means. These values can then be
entered directly into the suitable SISTEMA objects (Figure 38, example SB1). This
alternative is described in Section 10.1.1.
2. The resulting values are calculated in SISTEMA from a number of defined sub-objects
(Figure 38, example SB2). The parameter values that can be defined only with
knowledge of the application, such as nop, can be left open. This alternative is described
in Section 10.1.2.

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10 Modelling of components/parts of control systems in SISTEMA libraries

Figure 38: Alternatives for the modelling of components/parts of control systems (example:
subsystems)

10.1.1 Direct input of parameters in SISTEMA objects

Subsystems represent single-channel or two-channel parts of control systems for which a

PL or SIL with a PFHD value can already be stated following an analysis. They are referred to
here as "encapsulated subsystems" (generally safety components such as safety PLCs or
safety modules).
This enables these parts of control systems to be combined with further subsystems. Sub-
systems may also have a PFHD value of 0 [1/h] or an exclusion of dangerous component
failure. These parameter values can be assigned in the "PL" tab. With reference to VDMA
Specification 66413 (see 0 of this cookbook): the subsystem satisfies both the "device type
1" and the "device type 4" defined in the Specification (special case of PFHD = 0).
Examples of safety components constituting subsystems: electro-sensitive protective equip-
ment, safety PLCs, safety modules, electric drives with integrated safe stop functions, etc.
Examples of parts of control systems constituting subsystems: position monitoring with actu-
ated switches, control logic employing relays, contactors or combinations of frequency con-
verter and mains contactor, combination of hydraulic or pneumatic valves, etc. Such combi-
nations of standard components can all constitute single and two-channel Categories.
From SISTEMA Version 2 onwards, standard components can be modelled either as blocks
or as elements. The input dialogs are the same.
Blocks represent standard components for which an MTTFD (or MTTF, MTBF, RDF or a
failure rate λD) and a mission time TM can be stated by the manufacturer. These components
are typically not subject to wear, i.e. the MTTFD is not dependent upon the number of opera-
tions. This is essentially the case for electronic, mechanical and hydraulic components. The
diagnostic coverage (DC) for these components must typically be determined by the user
and entered for the component in the project. With reference to VDMA Specification 66413:
These components correspond to the "device type 2" defined in the specification.

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Examples of standard components not subject to wear constituting blocks or elements:

mechanical parts of control systems, standard light barriers, standard PLCs, standard fre-
quency converters, hydraulic valves, electronic components such as integrated circuits,
resistors, capacitors, etc.
Conversely, standard components subject to wear exist for which the manufacturer states a
B10D (or B10 and RDF) value and the mission time TM. The MTTFD calculated for these com-
ponents is dependent upon the number of operations nop. This essentially applies to electro-
mechanical and pneumatic components. The nop must typically be determined by the user
and entered together with the DC in the project for these components. With reference to
VDMA Specification 66413: These components correspond to the "device type 3" defined in
the Specification. Components modelled as elements are grouped in a block during creation
of a project, as a result of which a resulting MTTFD is calculated for the block.
Examples of standard components subject to wear constituting blocks or elements: switches,
relays, contactors, pneumatic components, etc.

10.1.2 Calculation of parameters from assembled SISTEMA objects

The resulting parameters for a part of a control system can be calculated in the SISTEMA
library window from a number of lower-level objects constituting the individual components of
the part of the control system. The PL and PFHD of a subsystem for example are calculated
from a number of blocks, and the component parameters (MTTFD, λD, B10D etc.) must then be
entered for the blocks. Alternatively, the resulting MTTFD of a block is calculated from several
lower-level elements and their component parameters (MTTFD, λD, B10D etc.). All these
defined objects are then saved in the library, are visible to the user, and are copied together
into a project.
The advantage is that application-specific values which have an influence upon the reliability
can be added or modified later. For components subject to wear, this concerns first and
foremost statement of the number of operations of the component, nop. It also applies to the
diagnostic coverage DC, if this can be determined only within the application in accordance
with the test measures taken.

10.2 Data required for SISTEMA objects

The objects stated should contain the following parameters and information in the library:
Data for subsystems:
• Name
• Performance Level (PL) or Safety Integrity level (SIL) attained
• Average probability of a dangerous failure per hour (PFHD)
• Category
• Mission time (TM; 20 years is the default value)
• Application-specific conditions, for example for fault exclusion (statement in the
"Documentation" field)
• Documentation/references or files/links (e.g. data sheets; statement in the "Documenta-
tion" field or as a link in the "Document" field)

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Data for blocks or elements:

• Name
• Mean time to dangerous failure (MTTFD or λD); for elements alternatively B10D. The
appropriate nop must be determined by the machine manufacturer according to the appli-
cation. As an alternative to calculating the MTTFD from the B10D, the manufacturer can
also state MTTFD benchmark values for typical nop ranges directly in the "Documentation"
field (see Section 10.3.1).
• Where applicable: well-tried component (statement in the "Documentation" field), with
reference to specific applications
• Diagnostic coverage (DC) which can be attained by built-in test facilities, such as positive
mechanically linked contacts, including requirements for the interpretation measures
(statement in the "Documentation" field)
• Mission time (TM; 20 years is the default value)
• Application-specific conditions, for example for fault exclusions (statement in the "Docu-
mentation" field)
• Documentation/references or files/links (e.g. data sheets; statement in the "Documenta-
tion" field or as a link in the "Document" field)

10.3 Strategies for the creation of libraries

As described in Section 10.1, alternative structures of the SIS-lib are possible. These alterna-
tives and the flexibility for the SIS-lib are described here for typical cases. A distinction is
drawn here between individual components and parts of control systems (comprising multiple
components). The alternatives can be found in the SISTEMA library of examples (refer to the
beginning of Chapter 10).
The manufacturer does not generally enter a DC value for standard components; the default
value of DC = 0% remains unchanged. The DC value must be added later in use according
to the diagnosis performed in the project.

10.3.1 Components subject to wear

Three alternatives exist for the modelling of standard components subject to wear (for exam-
ples, refer to Annex D):
A Manufacturers can model components subject to wear typically in a block or element, this
being the only place in which the characteristic parameter B10d can be entered. At the
same time, no value may be entered for nop, since this value must be entered at a later
stage when the copy of the object is used in the project concerned. An error message
with the red cross appears in the SIS-lib ("Please enter a positive real number for the
Nop value of this element."). From the manufacturer's perspective, the component is
nevertheless fully modelled in the SIS-lib. The message, which cannot be overlooked,
indicates that the nop must be entered here at a later stage. The MTTFD of the block or
element is calculated correctly – not in the SIS-lib, but in the project.
B The manufacturer enters the components with the B10D parameter in a block or element
and supplements them with an estimated value for nop that in his view is typical or erring
on the side of safety. The MTTFD of the element is already calculated in the SIS-lib for
this parameter assignment. An error message is no longer output. Attention must how-
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ever be drawn clearly to this parameter assignment in the documentation or in the name
of the block or element, in order to prevent the component from being analysed incor-
rectly in use should different operating cycles ultimately apply in the application. The nop
parameter can however be adapted to the application concerned, resulting in the MTTFD
of the element being recalculated in the project.
C The manufacturer enters the components in a block or element and determines the
MTTFD of the block or element from a combination of the specified B10D and an assumed
nop. An error message is no longer output. Attention must however be drawn clearly to
this parameter assignment in the documentation or in the name of the block or element,
in order to prevent the component from being analysed incorrectly in use. An extension of
this alternative is for the manufacturer to state several MTTFD values for typical nop
ranges in the "Documentation" input field. These MTTFD values must be adapted
according to the application concerned.
The manufacturer and the user must consider that the number of annual operations nop of a
component is derived in part from the requirements of safety functions, but that process
functions may also lead to operations resulting in wear. The nop value must reflect the total
operations.

10.3.2 Components not subject to wear

A typical procedure exists for the modelling of standard components not subject to wear (for
examples, refer to Annex D):
A Modelling as a block or as an element with the characteristic parameter MTTFD. These
object types enable complex parts of control systems and further standard components to
be assembled and analysed. The manufacturer does not enter a DC value; the default
DC = 0% remains unchanged. The DC value must be entered later according to the
diagnosis performed in the project.
B Only in rare cases will such a standard component be modelled as a subsystem in Cate-
gory B/1. The MTTFD must be entered directly in the "MTTFD" tab of the subsystem.
Diagnosis is not applicable. A subsystem of this kind can no longer be combined with
further standard components to form a redundant part of a control system.

10.3.3 Combinations of components subject and not subject to wear

The manufacturer of a component comprising a combination of components subject to wear

(such as relay outputs) and not subject to wear (such as electronics) can use the following
alternatives to model the component (Figure 39, without alternative D):
A As an element, block or subsystem with a single MTTFD or PFHD value specified by the
manufacturer, which assumes a worst-case approach for nop for the aspect subject to
wear. The worst-case assumption for nop (i.e. the maximum permissible switching fre-
quency) is stated in the "Documentation" input field.
B As a block/element with MTTFD input field or as a subsystem with PFHD input field. The
MTTFD/PFHD fields are not completed. This forces the appropriate value to be entered
from the "Documentation" input field in use. Alternatively, the fields are completed with
the poorest table value, i.e. the worst-case approach. In the "Documentation" input field,
the table values for the MTTFD or PFHD are listed as a function of the nop, for manual
transfer to the input fields.

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10 Modelling of components/parts of control systems in SISTEMA libraries

C In the form of two (or more) elements connected in series, one with statement of the
MTTFD (C-1 in the SISTEMA library of examples) and one with statement of the B10D
(C-2), but without statement of the nop. These must be entered later. Summation of the
failure rates for these elements yields the sum for the combined component (the block).
In the "Documentation" input field, it must be stated clearly that the elements of the block
belong together and must not be used separately.
D In the form of two (or more) subsystems connected in series, one encapsulated with
statement of the PFHD (D-1 in the SISTEMA library of examples), the other not encapsu-
lated (D-2), with statement of the B10D in the elements. The two probabilities of failure
PFHD of these subsystems are summated for the combined component. In the "Docu-
mentation" input field, it must be stated clearly that the two subsystems belong together
and must not be used separately.
Figure 39: Alternatives for combinations of components subject and not subject to wear

Further alternatives certainly exist; the manufacturer can select the model best suited to his
scenario.

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10.3.4 Parts of control systems comprising standard components (enter components

individually)

Parts of control systems comprising multiple components are modelled as subsystems. All
components are analysed by SISTEMA following input. A condition is that the components
under analysis constitute one of the designated architectures. Components subject to wear
and not subject to wear can be combined, even where they employ different technologies.
Two essential alternatives exist here:
A The manufacturer has added all the necessary component values and a specified
application to the part of the control system. The circuit is specified in terms of the DC
measures and the number of operations nop. Users need enter no further parameters. An
error message is not output.
B Only for the components has the manufacturer added all necessary values to the part of
the control system. In use, the DC measures and/or the CCF analysis and/or the number
of operations nop must be added in consideration of the specific conditions of use. A
number of error messages with the red cross appear (including "Please enter a positive
real number for the nop value of this element."). The requirements imposed upon the
Category may also have to be confirmed.

10.3.5 Parts of control systems produced from standard components (enter parame-
ters individually)

These parts of control systems are generally modelled as encapsulated subsystems, and the
resulting parameters that have already been calculated are entered directly. The individual
components are not entered. Several alternatives exist:
A PL/SIL, PFHD and the Category are available for the part of the control system. They are
entered directly in the "PL" tab of the subsystem. No further parameters need be entered.
An error message is not output.
B A variant of alternative A is that the PFHD = 0 [1/h]. The fault exclusion can be entered.
The tick linking the input fields PL/SIL and PFHD must be removed for this purpose.
C A further variant of alternative A is that the PL/SIL and PFHD do not lie within the same
value range. The tick linking the two input fields must be removed in this case. The two
values can then be entered separately from each other.
D No PFHD values are available; the MTTFD (or fault exclusion) and DCavg values for the
part of the control system are however available. These values are entered directly in the
"MTTFD" and "DCavg" tabs of the subsystem. The option for this input function must be
activated (Expert Setting -> Permit Direct Input of MTTFD/DCavg in a subsystem). The
CCF analysis must also be performed. The PFHD value is calculated from these values,
as is the PL. It must then be checked whether the measures against failures caused by
systematic faults (including software faults) satisfy the calculated PL; if not, the PL must
be reduced.

10.3.6 Parts of control systems involving an encapsulated subsystem

Parts of control systems are typically made up of a number of standard components (with
MTTFD) in accordance with the designated architectures of EN ISO 13849-1. However, if
"encapsulated" subsystems are used in one channel of a two-channel structure, the
MTTFD – which is required for analysis – of this subsystem is not available. In order for parts

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10 Modelling of components/parts of control systems in SISTEMA libraries

of control systems employing encapsulated subsystems to be modelled and analysed

despite this, the corresponding MTTFD for one channel must instead be determined from the
PFHD and PL values stated by the manufacturer.
The use of an encapsulated subsystem in Categories 2, 3 or 4 in only one channel is in fact
not economically advantageous. Such circuits do however exist in practice. The treatment of
these subsystems is described in SISTEMA Cookbook 4, Section 2, "When the designated
architectures don't match".

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11 Creation of SISTEMA libraries

11 Creation of SISTEMA libraries

This chapter describes the creation of SISTEMA libraries in the library window, and is
intended both for the manufacturers of products, and for persons wishing to create their own
SISTEMA user libraries. SISTEMA cannot however be used to create or edit libraries in the
VDMA Specification 66413 format (see Annex B).

11.1 Creating a new library

Before components can be input into a SIS-lib in the library window, either an existing SIS-lib
must be opened (see Sections 7.1/7.2) or a new SIS-lib created (menu bar or toolbar in the
library window, see Sections 4.2.8/4.2.7). Creation of a new SIS-lib is described below. First
execute the "Create New Library" command. The file manager opens. Select a suitable loca-
tion in which to save the library; this must be on a local drive (e.g. C:\, D:\). Enter the file
name of the new SIS-lib with the file extension ".slb" in the input line and click on the "Save"
button (Figure 40), e.g. the file name "New Library.slb").

Figure 40: File manager dialog for creation of a SIS-lib

The file name of the new SIS-lib is added to the list of libraries. It can be changed by modifi-
cation of the "Name" property on the right in the properties window. This name is displayed in
the list (Figure 41, for example "New User Library"). Figure 41 also shows the difference
between the database names (left) and the file names (right) of the two SIS-libs.
Figure 41: List of libraries showing a new SIS-lib

The SIS-lib selected from the list by means of the mouse is loaded into RAM and displayed
in the navigation pane.

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11.2 Inserting objects into a library

A number of methods are described below for the input of components/parts of control sys-
tems into a library in the form of subsystem, block or element objects.

11.2.1 Direct input of objects in the workspace

The most obvious way of inputting new objects is to enter them in the workspace of the
library window. For this purpose, select the desired object type using the object filter at the
top of the navigation pane (Figure 11, p. 19) and define a new object (by means of the menu
bar, button, context menu or the Ctrl+Ins keyboard shortcut). The folder of the object (the first
line in the object tree) must be selected beforehand by means of the mouse; the commands
referred to are not otherwise active.
All tabs of the new object must then be completed, as is familiar from the SISTEMA main
window.

11.2.2 Input from a project using the context menu

A new object may already have been created in the SISTEMA main window as part of a
project. In this case, it does not need to be entered manually a second time as described in
Section 11.2.1. Select the object to be copied in the main window and use the right mouse
button to open the context menu (Figure 42, for the "Position switch B1" block). The "Copy to
Library" command copies the object into the appropriate object folder of the currently
selected library (see status bar). A message is output that this change to the library must be
saved (see Section 11.4).
Figure 42: Using the context menu to copy an object from a project

11.2.3 From VDMA-lib

Select the object to be copied (a use case) in the VDMA library window and use the right
mouse button to open the context menu (Figure 43, for the standard use case). The
"SISTEMA Library" command copies the object into the appropriate object folder of the cur-
rently selected SIS-lib (see status bar). The object data also remain write-protected in the
SIS-lib.

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11 Creation of SISTEMA libraries

Figure 43: Copying an object from a VDMA library into a SISTEMA library

11.2.4 Input from a project or library by means of the clipboard

A finished object can always be copied or cut from a project by means of the Windows clip-
board. In this case, open the context menu for the object to be copied and select the "Copy"
or "Cut" command. Alternatively, an object can be copied from a different SISTEMA or
VDMA library. The name of the object in the clipboard is displayed in the status bar. Select
the appropriate object folder ("Blocks" in Figure 44) in the library window and use the right
mouse button to open the context menu. Then use the "Paste" command to insert the object
(in this case a block) into the desired SISTEMA library. An object cannot however be inserted
into a VDMA library, owing to the write protection.
Figure 44: Inserting an object into the library using the clipboard

11.2.5 Input by drag and drop from a project or library

A quicker alternative to the clipboard is to use the familiar "drag and drop" function to copy
an object from a project or library. In this case, select the object in the main window using the
left mouse button, hold the Ctrl key, and keep the mouse button depressed. In a VDMA

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11 Creation of SISTEMA libraries

library, a use case of a device must be selected. With the left mouse button still depressed,
drag the object (the "Position switch B1" block in Figure 45) to the library window (dragging
shown in the right-hand image). Position the mouse pointer for example over the object
folder (which must first be adjusted as required), then release the mouse button to drop the
object. The object is appended to the list. Conversely, if the object is dropped onto an exist-
ing object in the list, the copied object is placed directly below it. This provides control of the
list sort order at the insertion stage. The object name is displayed adjacent to the mouse
pointer as the object is dragged.
Figure 45: Moving objects from the project (left) to the library (right) by drag and drop

Drag and drop functions best when the two windows are located adjacent to each other on
one or two screens. Alternatively, the "Alt+Tab" shortcut can be used to toggle between the
two windows, even with the mouse button depressed.

11.3 Order in the display and resorting objects

The order of the objects in the list in the navigation pane can be modified and saved after
they have been entered or copied into the library. This can be achieved in three different
ways:
• Select an object and use the "Move One Up/Down" commands (context menu, button,
keyboard shortcut, see Figure 46).

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11 Creation of SISTEMA libraries

Figure 46: Using the context menu items or the buttons to sort the objects

• Move the objects by means of drag and drop (as described in Section 11.2.5): when an
object to be sorted is dropped onto another object, it is sorted above or below the latter,
according to the latter's position in the list (in Figure 47, the "K1" block is placed above
"B2").
Figure 47: Sorting objects by drag and drop

• Use the commands "Sort A-Z" and "Sort Z-A" in the context menu to resort the entire list,
see Figure 46, bottom.

11.4 Saving changes in the library

When changes have been made to the library, the "Set Changes" button becomes active
(Figure 48). To save the changes, click on this button, or use the menu bar or the Ctrl+S
shortcut. After sorting, the button is deactivated again (greyed out).
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11 Creation of SISTEMA libraries

Figure 48: "Set Changes" button

If the library window is closed without the changes having been saved, a prompt is output (Figure 49)
and saving can still be performed ("Yes" button). Unwanted changes can be undone in this way ("No"
button).

Figure 49: "Accept Changes" prompt when the library window is closed

11.5 Recommendations for object names

In the list and tree views of SISTEMA, the objects are displayed and can be distinguished
only by way of their object names. The names used for them in the SIS-lib should therefore
contain all necessary product-related information such as the manufacturer's name, equip-
ment name, variant, etc. Alternatively, SISTEMA Version 2 onwards has specific data fields
for this information.
Names in SISTEMA may be up to 512 characters in length. In order to ensure compatibility
with the database to VDMA 66413 (see Annex B of this cookbook), no more than 255 char-
acters should be used in future. If the list or tree is not fully visible, the name is displayed in
the pop-up view (when the mouse pointer is moved over the name). This name length is
sufficient in practice.

11.6 Protecting libraries

11.6.1 Write-protection procedure

It is advisable to write-protect a SIS-lib before making it available to external users. This

ensures that third parties cannot inadvertently modify the SIS-lib in SISTEMA and pass the
modified version on under its original name. Manufacturers' SIS-libs are generally write-
protected for this reason.

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11 Creation of SISTEMA libraries

The procedure is as follows: create a duplicate of the SIS-lib (a second SLB file) and save it
with a different name and file name. Write-protection of this duplicate is activated by
SISTEMA. The result is therefore the original library, which is not write-protected, and its
write-protected copy. The write-protection is implemented by attributes in the database and
can be detected only by SISTEMA itself. SISTEMA indicates the write-protection status by a
padlock symbol (Figure 50). A closed padlock indicates that the SIS-lib is write-protected.
Important: the original file must not be deleted following write-protection, since the
SIS-lib cannot then otherwise be modified. It is essential that you make backups of
your original files.
The write-protected duplicate of the SIS-lib can be opened in the library window, as in the
case of the "New User Library [locked]" shown in Figure 50. The "[locked]" component of the
name can be selected freely.
The objects in this library cannot be modified, not even by the person who write-protected the
file! The objects can however be copied into SISTEMA projects or into other non-write-
protected SIS-libs and modified there.
Figure 50: Padlock symbol indicating write-protection of SIS-libs

Write-protection has repercussions for the use of libraries created with older versions of
SISTEMA. A write-protected library can be updated by reading-in of the non-write-protected
original SIS-lib, which is then saved and write-protected following a (pseudo-)change. This is
generally also possible even between major differences in the leading digit of the version
number (e.g. between 1.1.6 and 2.0.0). Further information on version control and compati-
bility can be found in Sections 11.8 and 7.5.

11.6.2 Write-protecting libraries

To create a write-protected duplicate, select the original library in the list of libraries, then call
up the "Lock Library" command from the menu or the toolbar. A dialog opens (Figure 51) in
which a new library name can be defined. The original name with the "[locked]" suffix is pro-
posed. The new name is however not subject to any restrictions other than that it must differ
from the original name.

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11 Creation of SISTEMA libraries

Figure 51: Input of the new library name for write-protected SIS-libs

The write-protection procedure can still be aborted at this point by means of the "Cancel"
button, in which case a new SIS-lib is not created.
Clicking on the "OK" button causes the new library name to be accepted, and a file manager
opens (Figure 52) in which a new file name can be specified. The library name previously
entered is proposed, with the addition of the "*.slb" extension. Any new file name can how-
ever still be selected here; the only requirement is that it differ from the original file name.

Figure 52: Input of the new file name for write-protected SIS-libs

The write-protection procedure can still be aborted at this point by means of the "Cancel"
button in the file manager, in which case a new SIS-lib is not created. Clicking on the "Save"
button causes the new write-protected SIS-lib to be created, displayed at the end of the list of
libraries, selected directly, and loaded into the navigation pane.

11.7 Documentation of objects

Objects in a library are often linked in addition to documents and further information con-
cerning the application. These links are created by the "Document" input field in the various
tabs of the objects. SISTEMA is not limited to PDF as a document format; other formats can
be used for which the corresponding software is available.

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Three forms of link exist: a URL (i.e. a web address such as

"http://www.sample_company.de/Document.pdf") is possible, as is a relative path to the
location of the library (e.g. "..\sample_company\Document.pdf"). Absolute paths such as
"L:\sample_company\Document.pdf" are unlikely to be practical for manufacturers' libraries.
The differences are as follows:
• URL: in order for a document to be opened, the local computer must be online and must
be able to access the URL. This URL must also remain unchanged for the anticipated
duration of use of the SIS-lib concerned, or it will no longer be possible to load the docu-
ment. The advantage of this alternative is that documents do not need to be saved
locally. Access to the documents is nevertheless possible at any time, even once the
library objects have been copied to a project and the project has been passed on to fur-
ther users, customers or suppliers.
• Relative path: the manufacturers' documents must be saved locally together with the
SIS-lib. The local computer need not be online in order for a document to be opened,
however. If a SISTEMA project created with these objects is passed to other parties, the
documents linked to it should always be supplied with it, in order for these parties to be
able to open the documents. Further information on relative paths can be found in the
SISTEMA help under the "Options" menu item.
Only the link entered in the "Document" input field is embedded in the SIS-lib, and not the
complete documents (files). If a URL is not stated, these external documents must therefore
also be made available for the application in addition to the library. The documents are typi-
cally made available in the form of an archive file (for example in ZIP format) in which the
folder structure of the documents corresponds to the path information in the "Document"
input field.
Users who load this archive file onto their computers should unpack the files contained within
it in the folder of their library, retaining the folder structure. This generally ensures that the
documents retrieved from the object of a library can actually be opened. The opening of rela-
tive paths does not currently work in network libraries (Version 2.0): in this case, documents
must be located and opened manually, or copied into a project.
At present (Version 2.0), documents are not automatically copied into a project along with the
objects to which they relate. Users must therefore copy the documents themselves (see
Section 7.6). It is generally sufficient to copy the document folder of the library into the pro-
ject folder (by default, into the ".\documents" folder).

11.8 Version control and compatibility

SISTEMA projects and libraries bear a three-digit version number. The number is taken from
the version of SISTEMA with which they were created or modified. Example: SISTEMA Ver-
sion 1.1.6 was published in mid-2013. Projects and libraries created or modified with this
version also receive the version number 1.1.6.
The significance of the three digits is as follows:
• The leading digit indicates major changes to the program concept and at the same time
to the database structure.
• The middle digit generally changes when changes are made to the database structure.
Program functionality may have been extended.
• The final digit is used for bug fixes and extended functionality; the database structure has
not changed in this case.
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Downward compatibility of libraries is assured only if the database structure has remained
unchanged. As long as the database structure is identical (the leading and middle digits are
unchanged), a SIS-lib from a more recent version (e.g. 1.1.4) can be read in and processed
by an older version of SISTEMA (e.g. 1.1.2). A warning message is output in this case. If this
loaded SIS-lib is modified and saved, the version number of the library changes to that of the
SISTEMA version used (in this case, Version 1.1.2).
Section 7.5 describes the ramifications of the different cases of version differences when
libraries are opened.
Upward compatibility is also assured when the database structure is extended: older ver-
sions of a SIS-lib are also loaded correctly by the current SISTEMA version, and in general
no message is displayed. This is the case even where the database structures differ; in this
case, the extended data fields of the newer version are added and populated with intelligent
content (generally empty fields). Saving causes the version number of the library to be
updated to that of the newer database.
If a SIS-lib, for example of a manufacturer, is write-protected, the version number cannot be
changed. The SIS-lib can nevertheless be used and read.
Manufacturers wishing to create a SIS-lib are advised always to use the most recent version
of SISTEMA. This makes the latest functions and bug fixes available. The SIS-libs created by
the newer version can be used by older SISTEMA versions, provided they share the same
database structure. Another strategy is to create the SIS-lib using a recent version, but then
to open it with an older version of SISTEMA (with up to two version numbers' difference) and
to save it again. This assigns the older version number to the SIS-lib, making it downward
compatible without warning messages. The older SISTEMA versions are also available on
the Internet for download:
http://www.dguv.de/webcode/e103328
As soon as a change in database structure or content is anticipated, the providers of SIS-libs
(i.e. the manufacturers) registered with the IFA are informed and receive a beta version of
the update, with which they can convert their SIS-libs. Conversion is a straightforward pro-
cess. First, create backups of your non-write-protected, original SIS-libs. Load a copy of
the non-write-protected original SIS-lib in the new SISTEMA version, and save it with new file
and library names and with the new version number in the name. This causes the SIS-lib to
be converted. Take care not to overwrite the previous SIS-lib. After conversion, you can cre-
ate a write-protected file from the new SIS-lib (see Section 11.6) and publish this file again
(see Chapter 13).

11.9 Conventions for the names and file names of libraries

This section describes a proposal for a structured and forward-thinking convention for the
name and file name of the SIS-lib. Other conventions are possible; the IFA does not formu-
late binding rules in this respect. The choice of name must however consider requirements
such as ease of comprehension, freedom from contradictions, etc., in order to prevent users
from using an incorrect SIS-lib or objects from it for a project.
Many manufacturers and users will typically create multiple SIS-libs, as a function of the total
number of their products/objects. Larger numbers of products/objects (over approx. 200)
should be divided intelligently between several SIS-libs, in order to limit the size of the indi-
vidual SIS-libs and therefore the time required to load them. The strategy for distribution of
the objects between SIS-libs is not subject to constraints. Different language versions of the
objects for example are generally distributed between multiple SIS-libs (one SIS-lib for
SISTEMA Cookbook 5 (Version 2.0) 70 / 85
11 Creation of SISTEMA libraries

English, one for German, etc.). The SIS-libs can be further divided up by product group (one
SIS-lib for sensors, one for actuators, etc.). In the course of time, multiple SISTEMA data-
base versions of the SIS-lib will also exist in parallel (for example for Version 1.1.x, at some
point in the future for 2.0.x, etc.). The providers of the SIS-libs will also have to manage mul-
tiple successive versions of their SIS-libs (1st version in 2013, 2nd version in 2014, etc.).
Distinction must be drawn between three name types:
• File name of the SIS-lib (can be modified, even when the SIS-lib itself is write-protected)
• Name of the SIS-lib: this is displayed in the list of libraries, in the properties window and
in the status bar (cannot be changed when the SIS-lib is write-protected)
• Names of the objects in a SIS-lib (cannot be changed when the SIS-lib is write-protected)
There is no reason why the file name (without extension) and the name of the library should
not be the same. In response to enquiries from manufacturers, the IFA recommends that the
file names/names of manufacturers' libraries observe the following convention:
<company name>_<product group>_<version number issued by the manufacturer, or state-
ment of the year/month>_<SISTEMA version>_<language code>{.slb}
For example for file names: company_sensors_2013-11_V1.1.4_EN.slb
The corresponding name: company_sensors_2013-11_V1.1.4_EN
Alternatively, for a small number of products, for a single SIS-lib and with a different version
numbering system:
Example: company_001_V1.1.4_EN.slb

Comments on the components of the name:

• Name of the company: the most important component in the name, since the products
can be pre-sorted in the folder by name of manufacturer. The name of the company is
also important in the SIS-lib name when several SIS-libs are loaded in the list of libraries.
• Product group: where the number of objects is small (fewer than approximately 200), this
component of the name can be omitted. In this case, the manufacturer will create only
one SIS-lib per language and version. The product group can otherwise be geared to the
manufacturer's preferences and product range. This component of the name then
becomes the most important criterion for selection of a SIS-lib by the users.
• Manufacturer's version number: this differentiates between several different successive
SIS-libs of the same product group. Including the year and month in the form YYYY-MM
in the version number is advantageous, as this enables the SIS-libs to be sorted by date
in the folder. Some manufacturers base their version numbering upon the SISTEMA ver-
sion; the latter is however not incremented regularly.
• SISTEMA version: the version with which the SIS-lib was created. This version number is
also displayed under the properties of the SIS-lib. Details can be found in Section 11.8.
• Language code: the Alpha 2 code of ISO 639-1 7 is proposed for this purpose. This is an
international standard which defines codes for the names of the major living languages.
The code uses two letters. EN stands for the English version, i.e. texts in English. The

7
ISO 639-1: Codes for the representation of names of languages – Part 1: Alpha 2 code
SISTEMA Cookbook 5 (Version 2.0) 71 / 85
11 Creation of SISTEMA libraries

majority of SIS-libs are still supplied with text in English only. Further information on the
language codes can be found at:
http://www.iso.org/iso/home/standards/language_codes.htm.
This naming convention facilitates sorting of the SIS-libs, which is important during use, since
a large number of files from multiple manufacturers generally have to be managed over the
years. The various different naming conventions used by other providers of SIS-libs can be
studied, such as those available in the IFA's list of links.

11.10 Further library properties

The library properties (Figure 53) of a SIS-lib serve as its profile. Default values are assigned
when a new SIS-lib is created and some of them can be modified, provided the library has
not been write-protected.

Figure 53: Library properties pane

Table 5 characterizes the library properties.

Property name Meaning Change possible in use? Number of

editable
characters

Name Name of the library The file name (without path 512
and extension) is specified
when the library is created.

Location Location at which the No; is determined only by –

library is stored (path, SISTEMA (is not stored in the
file name with ".slb" library).
extension)

Author Author of the library The Windows user name is 1024

entered at creation. It can be
changed.

Last change Timestamp of the last No. The value is updated only –
change by SISTEMA, after each
change.

Library version Versioning of the library Yes. The field is initially 10

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11 Creation of SISTEMA libraries

Property name Meaning Change possible in use? Number of

editable
characters
by the user empty.

Version of the Version of the standard No –

standard with which this library
was created

SISTEMA version Software version with No –

which this library was
created

Information Information on the Yes. The field is initially 2000

library empty.
Table 5: Information on the library properties
For technical reasons, the number of editable characters has been reduced in SISTEMA
Version 2 compared to versions 1.1.x. When existing SIS-libs are converted, attention is
drawn to a possible shortening of textual content. The texts must be adjusted prior to conver-
sion in this case.
The file name and path can be modified, for example in Windows Explorer, provided the SIS-
lib is not loaded in the list. Modification is not possible within SISTEMA. The library window
does not offer a function corresponding to the "Save As..." function in the main window.
To edit the properties in the display line directly, click on them with the mouse. Should you
wish to edit the "Information" property using multiple lines, clicking in the line causes a button
with three dots to appear on the right. Clicking on this button opens a small editor in a dedi-
cated window (Figure 54).

Figure 54: Editor for the information line of the library

11.11 Multilingual libraries

Alternative text data fields (e.g. for names, documentation or a document) cannot be saved
in SISTEMA objects; the creation of multilingual objects is therefore also not possible. Multi-
ple languages for a product with a single set of parameters require multiple objects. Three
strategies are possible here:

SISTEMA Cookbook 5 (Version 2.0) 73 / 85

11 Creation of SISTEMA libraries

• These objects (e.g. three subsystems) could be stored together for multiple languages
(e.g. English, German, French) in a single SIS-lib. Each object would contain text in one
language only. In this case, the object name (for the subsystem) would then include the
corresponding language code, enabling it to be selected more quickly.
• In use, it is doubtless more practicable for the relevant SIS-lib to be identified for the
user's language and for all objects within it then to be used in the user's language. In this
case, each object contains text only in the selected language.
• The text fields of an object contain all available languages (for example: text in English at
the top, text in German below it). Non-language-specific names must then be used. This
strategy is practical only when the number of languages used is small. If that is the case,
it is however very practical, since when the SISTEMA user interface is switched to a dif-
ferent language and a summary is created, all texts in the "other" language are available.
Refer to Section 11.9 regarding the language codes.

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12 Automatic generation of SISTEMA libraries

12 Automatic generation of SISTEMA libraries

We offer manufacturers of components the facility to create their own SISTEMA libraries.
The limits of the integrated library editor are however rapidly reached when the number of
components is large. This chapter provides further information to manufacturers who are
contemplating creating SIS-libs automatically.

12.1 Reference to the IFA's documentation for developers

The documentation for developers, which assists in the generation of SISTEMA libraries, is
available free of charge upon request from the IFA. Please contact Dr Michael Huelke at
[email protected] in this case.
Users of the documentation for developers require knowledge of SQL, XML, XSD and the
use of SISTEMA. Owing to time constraints, the IFA is able to provide only very limited con-
sulting and support beyond the documentation for developers.
The database's SQL interface is the primary option for the creation of libraries. Since the
complex relationships between the data objects cannot all be defined by SQL constraints, it
is to some extent the responsibility of the user of the interface to create valid data that
SISTEMA is able to process without error.
Alternatively, the data can be imported from an XML file in the SISTEMA format. A hidden
import function in the library editor enables library content in the form of an XML file to be
imported. Important: an XML file in the VDMA Specification 66413 format cannot be
loaded into the SISTEMA library editor. The separate VDMA library window (Chapter 5)
is used for this purpose from SISTEMA Version 2 onwards.
We recommend that preference be given to SQL interface rather than the XML interface,
since its stricter constraints make it less prone to error, and debugging is less problematic.

12.2 SQL interface

SISTEMA stores libraries in the file system in the form of files with the "*.slb" extension.
This file format is used with a Firebird database. 8 The Firebird database can be addressed
and edited by means of suitable tools employing the SQL standard (to ANSI SQL-99). SQL
scripts enable generic library content to be created and modified. Use of this interface
requires SQL expertise. The database's SQL interface is described in greater detail in the
documentation for developers. It enables you to use SQL commands to populate a database
created by SISTEMA. The scripts used in SISTEMA for creation of a new library are provided
with the documentation for developers in the form of example files.
The annex of the documentation for developers also contains a sample SQL script that
demonstrates the generation of data through this interface (when the examples are installed).
Some SQL scripting tools enable SQL command sequences to be generated from existing
database content. Should you be uncertain, we recommend that you begin by generating the
desired library content using the integrated library editor, and then export the data to an SQL
script by means of such a tool. This enables you to recognize easily the required form to be
taken by the content.

8
SISTEMA uses the embedded version of Firebird, which does not require installation of the server. Firebird
databases have the file extension "*.fdb" as standard. SISTEMA uses the extension "*.slb" instead.

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12 Automatic generation of SISTEMA libraries

12.3 XML interface (nur für das SISTEMA-Format)

SISTEMA's integral library editor possesses a hidden interface for the import and export of
XML files, but only in the SISTEMA format. Use of this interface requires XML expertise. The
interface must first be enabled by the setting of a Windows registry key. This procedure acti-
vates two additional commands in the library's "Edit" menu: "Import..." and "Export...". The
"Import..." command causes all content from the XML file to be added to the library currently
loaded. Existing library entries are retained. The "Export..." command saves the entire library
to an XML file. This facilitates the compilation of libraries.
The content of such an XML file can of course also be edited or created manually. Note in
this case that the relational table structure of the SQL database is modelled by the XML
structure. This also enables very large libraries to be divided into several small libraries.
SISTEMA checks the validity of the XML file (SSM projects and XML imports) against a
rudimentary XML schema. This schema has the file name ssm.xsd and can be found in the
SISTEMA program folder. Should an error be detected with reference to the schema when
the file is parsed, the reason for the error and the line containing it are displayed. However,
the schema detects only major errors in the data structure. Out-of-range errors of individual
fields for example are not detected. These and other errors not detected during parsing are
generally detected by the program logic when the data are being imported.
This XML interface to SISTEMA and enabling of it are described in greater detail in the doc-
umentation for developers. A further XML interface is available from SISTEMA Version 2
onwards for the "universal database" in accordance with VDMA Specification 66413 (Annex
B). This will however support only the importing of data.

12.4 Microsoft Windows clipboard

SISTEMA uses the functions of the Microsoft Windows clipboard in order to copy objects. A
dedicated clipboard format has been defined for this purpose. Other applications do not
therefore generally respond to this content. Interprocess communication with other applica-
tions is however conceivable and could be developed. Information on the clipboard format
will be provided by the IFA upon request.
The current content of the clipboard for a valid SISTEMA object is displayed in the status bar
(Section 4.2.9). As soon as another application uses the clipboard, this display is cleared.

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13 Publication of SISTEMA manufacturers' libraries

13 Publication of SISTEMA manufacturers' libraries

This chapter provides manufacturers of control products with information on creating
SISTEMA libraries and publishing them for their customers. The IFA provides information on
these manufacturers' libraries on a dedicated web page. The XML files in the VDMA Specifi-
cation 66413 format are listed by the VDMA (see Annex B).

13.1 Terms of reference

Firstly, thank you for your willingness to make SISTEMA libraries available to your custom-
ers. This constitutes a major contribution to efficient, error-reducing analysis of safety-related
control systems on machinery in accordance with EN ISO 13849-1.
The creation and distribution of the libraries remains the sole responsibility of the manufac-
turers concerned. The IFA places no particular requirements upon the libraries and does not
inspect them. At the same time, it charges no fees to either suppliers or users of the data.
Should you have a need for consent to create SISTEMA libraries for your products, we will
be happy to grant it formally in response to an e-mail request ([email protected]).

13.2 Procedure for creating and publishing manufacturers' libraries

How are SISTEMA libraries created? To begin with, you can create libraries directly in
SISTEMA: create a new library, enter the data for each product, then write-protect the
library (see Chapters 10 and 11).
Examples are already available from many other manufacturers who are publishing SIS-libs.
Besides the parameters, you can also attach documents and internet links to your online
documents directly to the library.
Should you wish to export your data from a database automatically in the form of a SIS-lib,
please request the database documentation from us with which you can develop an export
tool (Chapter 12). This is generally worthwhile only for very large volumes of data, or when
the library data are subject to frequent change.
Besides the organizational requirements for creating the SIS-lib, certain technical require-
ments must also be met. These include:
• Knowledge of the EN ISO 13849-1 and -2 control standards
• Availability of the required product parameters
• Experience in the use of SISTEMA
Creation of manufacturers' libraries for the first time often raises the following questions (Q),
more comprehensive answers (A) to which can be found in the various sections of this cook-
book:
• Q: What parameters and information on the products are required?
A: See Chapter 10
• Q: What languages should be supported?
A: In order to assure that the manufacturers' libraries are accessible to an international
user base, at least an English version of the library should be created (Section 11.11).
• Q: What SISTEMA version should be used for creation of the library?
A: The very latest version of SISTEMA should not be used for publication of the libraries,
SISTEMA Cookbook 5 (Version 2.0) 77 / 85
13 Publication of SISTEMA manufacturers' libraries

owing to compatibility with older SISTEMA versions which may still be installed on users'
systems (see Section 11.8).
• Q: What measures must be taken when new SISTEMA versions are released? Do the
libraries need to be adapted?
A: This is not necessary for each change in the final version number digit. However, if the
database definitions have changed (leading or middle version number higher), the librar-
ies should at least be converted with the new SISTEMA version (see Section 11.8). The
manufacturers registered with the IFA (see below) receive advance information and
access to a beta version, enabling them to make preparations in good time. For
SISTEMA Version 2, the SIS-lib must either be recreated with this SISTEMA version, or
have been converted from older versions.
• Q: What are the preferred naming conventions for file and library names?
A: See Section 11.9
• Q: How many products can/should a library contain?
A: Where the number of products is high (over approximately 200), it is urgently recom-
mended that they be distributed between a number of libraries, for example by product
group. Very large libraries have long loading times. From SISTEMA Version 2 onwards,
search, sort and filter functions can be used to find products.
The contact for manufacturers is Dr Michael Huelke, who can be reached at:
[email protected]. Please also let us know the names of individuals to be included in our
e-mail mailing list for manufacturers publishing SIS-libs. We may occasionally send special
information bulletins (for example concerning beta versions and changes to databases).

13.3 Legal information

Copyright: The intellectual property rights to the use and exploitation of SISTEMA libraries
are normally held by the producer of the library concerned.
Right of use: The IFA grants third parties a non-exclusive right worldwide and in perpetuity
to use the SISTEMA technology (such as the database format) solely for the creation of
SISTEMA libraries and provision of public access to them. Any other use or exploitation,
particularly modification, is subject to prior approval by the IFA (such as the importing and
converting of SISTEMA libraries or the importing and exporting of SISTEMA project files).
Any party using the SISTEMA technology to create SISTEMA libraries must state when
making the libraries public, and particularly when providing public access to them on
the Internet, that the libraries have been tested by the creator only for SISTEMA and
may therefore be used only by SISTEMA.
Use of SISTEMA: The legal information for the installed SISTEMA version and documenta-
tion apply. This information is displayed on the download page for SISTEMA, during the
installation process, and subsequently in the SISTEMA readme file (which can be found in
the installation folder).
Exclusion of liability
The software was developed with care and in line with current good scientific and industrial
practice. It is made available to the user free of charge. The liability of the IFA/DGUV is thus
limited to wrongful intent and gross negligence (Section 521 of the German Civil Code), and
in the case of technical and legal faults, to the fraudulent concealment of faults (Sections 523
and 524 of the German Civil Code).

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13 Publication of SISTEMA manufacturers' libraries

The IFA endeavours to keep its web site free of viruses. No guarantee can however be given
that the software and information provided are virus-free. Users are therefore advised to take
appropriate precautions of their own and to scan for viruses before downloading software,
documentation or information.
Licensing information
SISTEMA is free software and may be copied and distributed freely. Modification of
SISTEMA is not permitted. Please note however that SISTEMA makes use of further open-
source software the use of which is covered by licenses of its own. Modified versions of
these software components may be distributed only under the terms of the respective
licences. The source code covered by the respective licences has been adopted without
modification.
The "ZeosLib" library and the source code of the version used are also supplied with
SISTEMA (refer to the "Standards/ZeosLib" sub-folder). Since the library is integrated
dynamically (at runtime) in the form of the compiled bpl files, any user is free under the terms
of the GNU LGPL to use a modified version of the library.
Copies of the respective licences can be found in the "Licences" sub-folder of the application.

13.4 Verifying/testing SISTEMA manufacturers' libraries

The creation and distribution of the libraries remains the sole responsibility of the manufac-
turers concerned. This also includes verification of the library data. Check that the data are
also processed correctly with older SISTEMA versions.
The IFA imposes no particular requirements upon the libraries, nor does it inspect them. This
also applies to the libraries to which links are provided on the IFA web pages (Section 13.6).

13.5 Publication by the manufacturer

The manufacturers' SIS-libs are generally hosted on the manufacturers' websites for down-
load. Users may be required to register before downloading. Many manufacturers also pro-
vide a dedicated "SISTEMA page", containing a brief presentation of the program together
with the SIS-libs that they offer. We will be happy to provide a screenshot of the SISTEMA
user interface, should you require one for example for your download page. No SISTEMA
logo is available, nor should such a logo be invented.
We would be pleased if you were to refer your customers who may not yet have installed
SISTEMA themselves to our download pages by means of a link:
Link to the English pages: http://www.dguv.de/webcode/e34183
Link to the German pages: http://www.dguv.de/webcode/d11223
Hosting SISTEMA installation files on manufacturers' servers is however not permitted and
would also not be constructive, given that updates are released regularly.
Manufacturers should use their information channels to their customers in order to
draw the latter's attention to new or modified SISTEMA libraries. Changes relevant to
safety may have been made that must be considered during the program's use for
analysis.

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13 Publication of SISTEMA manufacturers' libraries

13.6 Inclusion of SISTEMA manufacturers' libraries on IFA lists

We would like to refer visitors to our SISTEMA web pages to your libraries.
http://www.dguv.de/webcode/e92603 (English)
http://www.dguv.de/webcode/d92599 (German)
The company names of all providers are arranged alphabetically on these pages, in each
case with a link to the download area of the SIS-libs on the manufacturers' websites. Inclu-
sion is of course free of charge. Should you also wish to be included in this list, please send
your links, the company name to be published, and of course your consent for their publica-
tion, to: [email protected]. Please also let us know the names of individuals to be included in
our e-mail mailing list for manufacturers, for the event of enquiries concerning the links.
The links should point directly to the SIS-libs. Please do not therefore send global links, for
example to your company's home page. The pages in question should already be live when
you send us the links; we are keen to avoid publishing dead links. The IFA regularly scans
the links in order to detect broken links quickly.

13.7 Amending list entries

Should changes be made to the links or the entries, it is sufficient to inform us by sending a
brief e-mail to [email protected]. The web pages will then be updated immediately.

SISTEMA Cookbook 5 (Version 2.0) 80 / 85

14 Annexes

14 Annexes

Annex A Version history

This annex documents the changes in this cookbook that have resulted from further devel-
opment of SISTEMA. The first version (1.0) of the cookbook is based upon SISTEMA Ver-
sion 1.1.6, released in July 2013.
The following changes were made in Cookbook Version 2.0 (September 2016) for SISTEMA
Versions 2.0.x:
• New Chapter 5: User interface for VDMA libraries
• New Chapter 8: Working with VDMA libraries
• Annex B: VDMA Specification 66413 has been updated
• All screenshots have been updated with SISTEMA Version 2.0.5
• All chapters and annexes have been revised taking account of the functional changes in
SISTEMA
• The abbreviations for the reliability values have been brought into line with
EN ISO 13849-1:2016
• The distinction between libraries in the SISTEMA and VDMA Specification 66413 formats
has been made clear in the text

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14 Annexes

Annex B VDMA Specification 66413

In July 2012, VDMA Specification 66413 with the title "Functional Safety – Universal data
format for safety-related values of components or parts of control systems" was adopted.
This document describes a universal database in XML format serving as a common basis for
the exchange of parameters and information between machine manufacturers, equipment
manufacturers, test bodies and suppliers of analysis tools in the area of functional safety.
Representatives of manufacturers and users of safety-related control components and the
IFA were involved in development of this VDMA Specification.
Further information (in German) and a list of manufacturers can be found on the VDMA web-
site (www.vdma.org) under the search term "Einheitsblatt 66413".
In Version 2, the IFA has extended the SISTEMA application with the addition of an import
interface for this universal database format. The interface is implemented as a new
SISTEMA window. It enables an XML file to be opened in the window and a device to be
selected with a set of values in the desired language. For further development of new data
fields of the universal database, the existing SISTEMA database, the SISTEMA libraries and
the input dialogs have been extended. The SISTEMA libraries for users and manufacturers
will continue to be supported and the functionality of the SISTEMA library window to be
developed further. A tool for the conversion of SISTEMA libraries to a corresponding XML file
and an editor for the creation of XML files are not planned, however. Analysis of the XML
data to EN 62061 is not implemented.

SISTEMA Cookbook 5 (Version 2.0) 82 / 85

14 Annexes

Annex C Index of abbreviations/equation symbols

Type of parameter Abbre- Unit Original term (EN ISO 13849-1)

viation

Safety-related part of a Safety-Related Part of a Control System

control system
SRP/CS –

Mean Time to dangerous Failure

Component quality MTTFD Year, a

Test quality average diagnostic coverage

(subsystem)
DCavg %

Test quality Diagnostic Coverage

DC %
(block, element)

Simultaneous failure of Common-cause failure

CCF –
redundant channels

Probability of a dangerous Failure per Hour

Probability of failure PFHD 1/h

Specified value of the – Required Performance Level

PLr
functional safety

Actual value of the – Performance Level

PL
functional safety

– Category
Category Cat.

Mission Time
Duration in service TM Year, a

Component quality Number of cycles until 10% of the components

B10D Cycles fail dangerously
(subject to wear)

Permissible duration in Mean Time until 10% of the components fail

T10D Year, a dangerously
service (subject to wear)

Cycles Number of operations

Number of operations nop (average number of operations per year)
/a

Ratio of Dangerous Failures, see VDMA

Ratio of dangerous failures RDF %
Specification 66413

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14 Annexes

Annex D List of examples: modelling of components as object

types
This list, which is not exhaustive, shows how different typical components can generally be
modelled as SISTEMA objects. Deviations may occur with certain technologies when the
manufacturers state different parameters. For example: hydraulic components can be char-
acterized by the MTTFD or by the B10D. In the first case, the component can be modelled as a
block or element, in the second only as an element (with analysis of the B10D).
In the event of doubt, the manufacturer must be consulted.

Component Usual parameter Encapsulated

for the reliability subsystem (SB),
block (BL), element
(EL) or test equip-
ment (TE)

Mechanical components PFHD/MTTFD/B10D SB/BL/EL

Hydraulic components (valves) MTTFD or B10D BL/EL

Pneumatic components (valves) MTTFD or B10D BL/EL

Pressure switches (hydraulic/pneumatic) MTTFD or B10D TE

Relays and contactor relays B10D BL/EL

Proximity switches (safety component) PFHD SB

Proximity switches (standard component) MTTFD or B10D BL/EL

Contactors B10D BL/EL

Position switches (positive-opening MTTFD or B10D BL/EL

contact)

Position switches (make contact) MTTFD or B10D BL/EL

Position switches (with separate actuator, MTTFD or B10D BL/EL

guard locking device)

Pushbuttons (positive-opening contact) B10D BL/EL

Pushbuttons (make contact) B10D BL/EL

Emergency-stop devices PFHD or B10D SB/BL/EL

Enabling switches PFHD or B10D SB/BL/EL

SISTEMA Cookbook 5 (Version 2.0) 84 / 85

14 Annexes

Component Usual parameter Encapsulated

for the reliability subsystem (SB),
block (BL), element
(EL) or test equip-
ment (TE)

Electro-sensitive protective equipment PFHD SB

(safety components:
laser scanner, light barrier, pressure-
sensitive edge, etc.)

Rotary encoders (sin/cos) (safety compo- PFHD SB

nent)

Rotary encoders (standard) MTTFD or B10D BL/EL

Distance measurement system (standard) MTTFD or B10D BL/EL

Electromechanical safety modules, e.g. PFHD SB

PNOZ

Safety PLCs PFHD SB

Standard PLCs MTTFD or B10D BL/EL

Microcontrollers MTTFD BL/EL

Optocouplers MTTFD BL/EL

Frequency converters with integral safety PFHD SB

functions

Standard frequency converters (e.g. with MTTFD or B10D BL/EL

servo disable)

SISTEMA Cookbook 5 (Version 2.0) 85 / 85