SIMBOL2-the block diagram approach to simulation, analysis and design of mixed digital, nonlinear and continuous systems

SIMBOL2 provides free form and interactive block diagram entry and editing of system specifications, by careful choice of algorithms allowing continuous, digital and nonlinear elements to be mixed freely and by providing a fully menu driven environment with context sensitive help system running on an IBM PC, AT or PS2. These features are illustrated in the context of a typical industrial control system design. The system chosen is a digital idle control system for high speed diesel engines. The model contains time delays, discrete microprocessor control, engine inertia, and nonlinear torque characteristics. Simulated and actual performance are compared, and a predicted limit cycle confirmed. The advantages of the SIMBOL2 approach to analysis and design of practical industrial systems can be seen from the example