Real-Time Testing

Test Simulink models with hardware in real time

Real-time testing goes beyond simulation by verifying algorithmic design behavior while running models at required speeds, respecting precise timing requirements. The executing model is connected to sensors, actuators, and other hardware. Real-time testing encompasses rapid control prototyping and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation.

Rapid Control Prototyping

Test your control system design running on a target machine while it is connected to your physical plant or system. (The target machine acts as your controller.)

Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation

Test your control hardware, which can include production or embedded control units, using a simulation of your plant or system. (Here, the target machine acts as your physical plant/system.)

Real-time testing enables you to:

• Prove and improve the functional operation of control system designs with your hardware
• Continuously explore and implement new ideas using a flexible, scalable platform
• Test control system hardware even when a physical plant or system is unavailable
• Investigate scenarios and hardware interactions that are complex, expensive, or dangerous to perform with production hardware
• Avoid costly design flaws by detecting errors early when they are still cost-effective to correct

Solutions for Real-Time Testing

• xPC Target Turnkey – Combines xPC Target^™ with a broad selection of high-performance, real-time target machines and I/O modules.
• Real-Time Windows Target™ – Provides a real-time engine for executing models on a Microsoft Windows PC and Simulink^® blocks that connect to a range of I/O boards.
• Simulink Support for Target Hardware – Simulink built-in support for prototyping, testing, and running models on low-cost target hardware, including Arduino^®, LEGO^® MINDSTORMS^® NXT, and BeagleBoard.

Examples and How To

• Introduction to xPC Target and xPC Target Turnkey 8:28 (Video)
• Introduction to Simulink Support for Target Hardware 1:55 (Video)
• Robot-Arm Control System using xPC Target 29:24 (Video)
• HIL Testing of a Position Control System 17:57 (Video)
• Enabling Experimentation in Classical Control with MATLAB, Simulink, and Real-Time Windows Target  (Webinar)

Technical Articles

• Developing the World’s Most Advanced Prosthetic Arm Using Model-Based Design
• Real-Time Simulation of Physical Systems Using Simscape
• Undergraduate Engineers Develop Hydraulic Servo Control Systems Using Model-Based Design with Simulink

See also: rapid prototyping for embedded control systems, HIL simulation for embedded systems