> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://infosys.selmotech.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://infosys.selmotech.com/selmo-solution/selmo-solution-en/selmo-documentation/4-structure-of-the-machine-static/bit-control.md).

# Bit control

### 1. Why is Bit-Control needed?

In classical control programs behavior arises implicitly:

* Conditions are distributed across the code
* Expectations of signals are not fully described
* Monitoring is performed at points or event-driven
* Diagnosis is created afterwards

This leaves a central question unanswered:

**What is allowed, required, or irrelevant – in exactly this state of the machine?**

Bit-Control exists to answer this question **explicitly, completely and formally** to answer.

***

### 2. What is Bit-Control?

**Bit-Control** describes the **expected and permitted behavior of each zone in every state of a sequence**.

It is:

* not program code
* not a safety function
* not a query
* not an event

But:

> **A formal behavior contract between state and zone.**

***

### 3. Basic principle of Bit-Control

The principle is simple and strict:

* A sequence is in exactly **a state**
* Each zone has in this state **a defined meaning**
* This meaning is **explicitly defined**

Therefore:

> **No state without evaluation.**\
> **No zone without meaning.**

The result is:

* complete state description
* permanent monitoring
* deterministic behavior

***

### 4. The Bit-Control matrix

Bit-Control is formally represented as **cross table** represented:

* **Columns** → States of the sequence
* **Rows** → Zones
* **Cells** → Operands (`0`, `S`, `i`)

This matrix is:

* **the model**, not the implementation
* complete
* unambiguously
* machine- and human-readable

> The Bit-Control matrix describes the entire logical behavior of a sequence.

***

### 5. The operands

#### 5.1 `0` – Don’t Care

**Meaning:**

* The zone is in this state **not relevant**
* Nothing is expected
* Nothing is checked
* No reaction occurs

**Purpose:**

* clear decoupling
* focused models
* avoidance of unnecessary dependencies

***

#### 5.2 `S` – Sequence Check

**Meaning:**

* In this state **a behavior is expected**
* The system:
  * if necessary sets an output
  * waits for a defined feedback
* As soon as the expectation is met:
  * the state is considered fulfilled
  * the transition can take place

**Purpose:**

* Process control
* operator guidance
* deterministic progression

> `S` describes **Progress**, not safety.

***

#### 5.3 `i` – Interlock

**Meaning:**

* The condition **must be met**
* In case of deviation:
  * immediate loss of automatic enable
  * stop of the sequence
  * automatic diagnosis

**Purpose:**

* protection of the process
* prevention of inadmissible state combinations

> `i` protects the **logical process**, not the machine as a whole.

***

### 6. Bit-Control and behavior in operation

Bit-Control acts:

* continuously
* dependent on state
* independent of the operating mode

Differences:

* `S` → leads and waits
* `i` → monitors and protects
* `0` → consciously ignores

> Bit-Control evaluates **always the current model state**, not events.

***

### 7. Bit-Control in automatic operation

In automatic operation applies:

* Automatic enable is a prerequisite
* Bit-Control monitors permanently
* When fulfilled `S`:
  * state is completed
  * transition occurs automatically
* In case of deviation of a `i`:
  * immediate abort
  * withdrawal of automatic enable
  * diagnosis is generated automatically

It is **no additional error logic necessary**.

***

### 8. Bit-Control in manual operation

Also in manual operation applies:

* States remain valid
* Bit control remains active
* Monitoring remains effective

The difference:

* The operator influences zones manually
* The goal is the **fulfillment of the current state conditions**

A `i` continues to act as protection:

* no inadmissible movement
* no bypass of the logic

> Manual operation is **not an exception**, but the same logic with a different source of influence.

***

### 9. Distinction from other monitoring

To clarify:

* Bit-Control ≠ **CMZ**\
  → CMZ acts independently of state
* Bit-Control ≠ **MXIC**\
  → MXIC governs manual actions
* Bit-Control ≠ **Safety hardware**\
  → Bit-Control does not replace an emergency stop chain

Bit-Control protects the **process in the model**, not physical safety alone.

***

### 10. Typical mistakes with Bit-Control

Common mistakes are:

* `i` use it excessively
* `S` abuse it as a safety replacement
* zones without clear meaning
* states not evaluated completely
* implicit assumptions instead of explicit operands

A good rule of thumb:

> **If you have to explain why something is the way it is, an operand is missing.**

***

### 11. Why Bit-Control is the core of Selmo

Bit-Control enables:

* complete behavior description
* automatic, correct diagnosis
* clear state logic
* standardizable argumentation
* formal foundation for AI support

Or put differently:

> **Bit-Control makes machine behavior explainable.**

***

### 12. Summary

Bit-Control is:

* the formal behavior core of Selmo
* explicit, complete and deterministic
* independent of implementation and UI
* Foundation for process, diagnosis and safety

> **Without Bit-Control there is no verifiable machine model.**


---

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