Real-Time Models for dSPACE Simulator

dSPACE Simulator is optimally designed to integrate simulation models from MATLAB/Simulink

• Real-time models to simulate gasoline and diesel engines
• Real-time models to simulate vehicle dynamics
• Integration of own or third-party models

Models for Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing
To test control devices like electronic control units (ECUs) in virtual environments, dSPACE Simulator has to be equipped with software that simulates the real controlled system. This is variously called the simulation model, the plant model, or the model of the controlled system. Together, the simulator and the model installed on it are the virtual plant that represents the real system the ECU will be used for. The simulator provides all the interfaces required to connect the ECU, and the plant model simulates the system behavior. For example, automotive ECUs are connected with all the communication busses (CAN, LIN, FlexRay, etc) and the wiring for sensor and actor signals, which are of course simulated.

Application Areas
dSPACE Simulator can be used for all kinds of applications by means of different software models. dSPACE Simulators have been used to execute models for hard disk controllers (IT), gas turbine propulsion models (aerospace), whole virtual vehicles (automotive), and many others.

Real-Time Performance
Hardware-in-the-loop testing usually requires the model and the simulator to perform in real time. Depending on the application, simulation models can vary from being very precise, for example, for controller design, to just good enough for failure diagnosis of ECUs, where simple models are sufficient. More precise models typically need higher processing power.