Abstract
PROPOSED SIDEBAR: The term rapid prototyping can be used to mean different things for different applications. It can be used to generate 3D solid objects控制工程网版权所有, to study parts before they are fabricated in volume, or to test custom ASIC designs using a programmable FPGA approach. This article focuses on using rapid prototyping to test software control algorithms in a real-time environment before implementing code on an embedded processor – a common application for engineers who model an
d simulate control systems.
Over the past 10 to 15 years, software and hardware systems have been introduced and enhanced to provide rapid prototyping and hardware-in-the-loop simulation capabilities for the design of advanced electronics control systems. These design systems were embraced by companies in the automotive and aerospace industries for their prototyping speed and their ability to accelerate the design process. Advanced control algorithms could be tested in real time before the final hardware was built. Prototype electronics components could be tested in real time using a simulated environment控制工程网版权所有, reducing the need for expensive or destructive test flights.
Over the past 10 to 15 years, software and hardware systems have been introduced and enhanced to provide rapid prototyping and hardware-in-the-loop simulation capabilities for the design of advanced electronics control systems. These design systems were embraced by companies in the automotive and aerospace industries for their prototyping speed and their ability to accelerate the design process. Advanced control algorithms could be tested in real time before the final hardware was built. Prototype electronics components could be tested in real time using a simulated environment控制工程网版权所有, reducing the need for expensive or destructive test flights.
RecentlyCONTROL ENGINEERING China版权所有, innovative companies in other industries have begun to study the demonstrated successes seen in automotive and aerospace companies. New PC-based prototyping tools have become available that provide a cost-effective alternative to the expensive proprietary systems that were first used. Because of the availability of such systemswww.cechina.cn, washing machines, copiersCONTROL ENGINEERING China版权所有, medical devices, and industrial equipment are now being designed and prototyped using Model-Based Design. Companies in these industries are seeing a similar level of success in accelerating their embedded system design processes using these advanced techniques. This article reviews some of the early industry successes, and provides examples of recent work done in next-stage industries that will be important in advancing the state of the art in embedd