Efficient control system development using real-time virtual hardware-in-the-loop simulation

In this paper, an efficient control system development method based on real-time virtual hardware-in-the-loop simulation is presented. Instead of developing and testing control system after physical prototype is produced, it can be conducted immediately after concept of controlled system is designed by developing a pure software real-time simulator. In this simulator, all the hardware is virtual. The appearance and operation of these virtual hardware is programmed to imitate corresponding physical prototypes so as to implement real-time virtual hardware-in-the-loop simulation. So The control software and the control logic of control system can be developed quickly. And the source code is compatible with both the simulation platform and physical platform. Moreover, It´s much easier and faster to debug and test the control logic in such a way. An example of a large and high-groove density ruling engine is provided to explain detail implementation of the proposed method.