Hardware-in-the-loop simulation: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 12:50, 9 November 2006

Revision as of 15:02, 11 November 2006

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{{wikify|November 2006}}

[[Embedded systems]] are designed to control complex plants such as land vehicles, satellites, spacecrafts, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), aircraftsaircraft, weapon systems, marine vehicles, and jet engines. They generally require a high level of complexity within the embedded system to manage the complexity of the plant under control.

Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation is a technique that is used increasingly in the development and test of complex real-time embedded systems. The purpose of HIL simulation is to provide an effective platform for developing and testing real-time embedded systems. HIL simulation provides an effective platform by adding the complexity of the plant under control to the test platform. The complexity of the plant under control is included in test and development by adding a mathematical representation of all related dynamic systems. These mathematical representations are referred to as the “plant simulation.”

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* Dynamics of the brake system’s hydraulic components

An HIL simulation must also include electrical emulation of sensors and actuators. These electrical emulations act as the interface between the plant simulation and the embedded system under test. The value of each electrically emulated sensor is controlled by the plant simulation and is read by the embedded system under test. Likewise, the embedded system under test implements its control algorithms by outputting actuator control signals. Changes in the control signals result in changes to variable values in the plant simulation.

==Why use Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation?==

This question is an important part of understanding real-time technology. To restate the question using a control systems term: Why not connect the embedded system under test to the "real plant," that is the dynamic system being controlled, to perform development and testing?

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Given all three criteria listed at the beginning of page, it seems that HIL simulation is, once again, the best option for developing usability and human factors.

==External Linkslinks==

===Articles===

* [http://www.embedded.com/story/OEG20011129S0054 Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation] embedded.com

===Vendors===

* [http://www.adi.com Applied Dynamics International] HIL solution provider.

* [http://www.mathworks.com/ The Mathworks]

[http://www.mathworks.com/ The Mathworks]