Functional Units are aggregations of functions designed to achieve a specific outcome. Typically, a Functional Unit is utilized by only one user at a time and exposes its current state. It may optionally include a Program Manager. A Functional Unit can be seen as a virtual device within a LADS Device, grouping together several (potentially redundant) functions. This concept is particularly useful when a LADS Device contains multiple functions that can be grouped as virtual devices or behave as separate devices. In such cases, a LADS Device can be divided into multiple Functional Units, with each Functional Unit representing a virtual device.

For instance, consider a bioreactor vessel with two separate interfaces (see Figure 3). Each container has its own functions, such as a temperature sensor and a motor, and its own program. This setup allows the bioreactor to be split into two Functional Units, each representing a separate container with its own program and set of functions.

Figure 3 – Example of a LADS Device with two Functional Units