Model- and Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing in a Model-Based Design Workflow

Abstract: Model-Based Design is a development method that is becoming popular to use when creating control systems. In this thesis a demonstration of the advantages of using this method is made for Combine Control Systems AB. The 3D simulation software IndustrialPhysics is used to represent a real process in form of a gantry crane. A controller for this crane is developed in Simulink and Model-in-the-Loop (MiL) testing is done together with the 3D model. C code is then generated from the controller and transferred to a PLC. A control panel with buttons is connected to the PLC and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) testing is done together with the 3D model. The result of the thesis is a working HiL rig ready to be used on technical fairs to demonstrate the capabilities of the Model-Based Design method.