A partially automated HiL test environment for model-based development using Simulink® and OPC technology

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the design procedures of an automated testing tool, developed in Matlab ® /Simulink ® environment, that performs software verification during runtime on a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) or so called HiL test (Hardware-in-the-Loop) for model-based development of control applications. In addition to checking the "semantic" or "functional" correctness of the automatically generated C++ -Code with RTW (Real Time Workshop ® ) for algorithms designed and developed in Simulink ® on hardware targets, the tool compares results obtained from the HiL test with the results of the MiL test (Model-in-the-Loop) performed in early stage of development for the same developed application. The main purpose behind this work is to develop reliable software that fulfil system requirements and to test its behaviour during realtime hardware simulation, in order to achieve the validation step which represents the terminating -step of almost all projects.

A PLC Based Real Time Simulation and Test Strategy for the Industrial Process Control

“…The achievement of powerful PLC makes floating-calculations possible. PLC becomes a platform for completing advanced modeling, control and optimization algorithms in real-time [5,6]. One of the major challenges in the world of embedded real-time system development is the integration of different activities into a single system.…”

“…OPC technology supplies a solution to combine different controllers or software. Chaaban [6] aimed at creating a stage for test environment by Real Time Workshop in Matlab / Simulink.…”