Rapid Control Prototyping (RCP) is a test and development methodology used to accelerate the design process by using model-based design to test a control strategy on physical hardware early in the design process. One of the key benefits of RCP is the ability to prove out a control algorithm early in the design process.The MICROGen system allows you to quickly implement this design methodology.
MICROGen
MICROGen is an industry proven ECM (electronic control module) prototyping system. It can function as a Simulink programmable rapid control prototyping target for use during model-based design, a powerful gateway for communications and discreet I/O, or a configurable test interface.
No software coding necessary
Using a model-based design approach, engineers can quickly create the model graphically using Simulink, or state diagram using Stateflow, and build an executable directly from the host PC. In minutes the algorithm can be tested in real hardware.
This is called auto-coding, automatically creating the code that can be compiled, linked, downloaded and executed on real-time hardware simply from a diagrammatic modelling environment.
RCP hardware typically comprises a single, small, portable unit that can be run within the same environment as the final intended controller, with sufficient processing capability to run the auto-coded model and with all the I/Os necessary to interface to the system in which testing is to be performed.
Modern RCP systems, such as MICROGen, are built from the ground up to provide a wide range of I/O types with sufficient flexibility and capability to cover a wide range of applications. Technologies such as Genix greatly increase the suitability of the RCP controller by offering more flexibility and configuration of each I/O line, allowing electrical changes to be made all from the control of the modelling environment.
The challenges posed by traditional controller software design in dealing with low-level CPU registers and interrupt handling are avoided, by using I/O driver libraries that are provided in a functional form as I/O configuration, and driver blocks which are placed in the model and configured using simple dialogues.
The MICROGen RCP system includes:
- Software – Configurable I/O and signal conditioning
- Using industry standard Simulink®
- In – vehicle design suitable for laboratories or mobile installation in vehicle, aircraft, rolling stock or other mobile situations
- I/O Ports
- 12 Genix output, analog, digital or timer / capture
- Input are Hall effect compatible
- 12 standard inputs, analog or digital
- 8 analog outputs, 12 bit
- 8 (8 Amp) relay outputs and 8 (1 Amp) electronic switch outputs
- 8 PWM (8 Amp) outputs, featuring “Genix” technology
- Communication Ports
- CAN: 2 Hi-Speed and 2 Low-Speed
- LIN, RS232, USB all with block-set support