Abstract
A novel application of the PDES standard for automated group technology (GT) code generation is presented. The study focuses on microwave modules (MWM’s), which include a mechanical ground plane with machined features, as well as electrical artwork and electronic components. Several modifications and enhancements were made to the Layered Electrical Product information model of the PDES standard in order to capture the particular characteristics of MWM’s. The modified PDES model was implemented using the ORACLE relational database, and served as the primary input to the automated GT code generation system developed at the University of Maryland. The principle difficulties encountered using PDES in our work are discussed, including: (i) lack of a proper feature hierarchy, (ii) limiting supertype-subtype specifications, and (iii) complications in implementing the LEP model to a relational database schema.