Opal-RT Technologies Introduces RT-Accelerator for xPC Target

FPGA hardware solution extends the I/O capabilities of xPC Target Real-Time environment, making it ideal for high speed applications

xPC Target, developed by The MathWorks Inc., provides a high-performance, host-target prototyping environment that enables the connection of Simulink and Stateflow models to physical systems and subsequent execution in real time on PC-compatible hardware. xPC Target includes proven capabilities for rapid prototyping and hardware-in-the-loop simulation of control systems. xPC Target enables the engineer to add I/O interface blocks to models, automatically generate code with Real-Time Workshop and Stateflow Coder, and download the code to a second PC running the xPC Target real-time kernel.

RT-Accelerator for xPC Target uses an FPGA-based interface to connect directly to DIO and fast 16-bit analog converter and signal conditioning modules. High speed FPGA-based IO can be controlled directly by Simulink models running between 120 and 150 microseconds on a standard PC processor. Complex models and signal processing functions can also be developed with Simulink and a XILINX System Generator and downloaded to an FPGA processor to execute models with time steps below 500 nanoseconds. A rich library of IO functions and power electronic drive with PMSM motor models is also available.

“xPC Target has long been an effective and easy-to-use solution for engineers seeking to conduct hardware-in-the loop simulation of physical control systems,” said Jean Belanger, President of Opal-RT Technologies Inc. “By taking advantage of the superior performance capabilities offered by FPGA processing technology, RT-Accelerator for xPC Target provides xPC Target users with an affordable hardware platform for conducting simulation and rapid control prototyping, both in the lab, and out in the field.”

RT-Accelerator for xPC Target supported chassis, IO, & software plug-ins include:

• Opal-RT OP5000 IO Modules
• RT-EVENTS blockset for SIMULINK to generate and capture events occurring between main model time steps and to implement dynamic models having states changing based on external events
• XSGeDRIVE Library of ready-to-use IGBT converters and PMSM motor models executed on Opal-RT OP5130 FPGA boards with a time step below 500 nanoseconds and event stamping at 10 nanoseconds

Complex models and signal processing functions can also be developed with SIMULINK and a XILINX System Generator and downloaded to an FPGA processor to execute models with time steps below 500 nanoseconds. A rich library of IO functions and power electronic drive with PMSM motor models is also available.

RT-Accelerator for xPC Target can be configured as a rapid control prototyping (RCP) system interfaced with physical hardware systems through the use of Opal-RT OP5000 series IO products to test control algorithms used in automotive, aerospace and industrial applications. An extensive array of available professional hardware and software components enables RT-Accelerator for xPC Target to be configured as a high-performance HIL simulation system directly interfaced with pre-production electronic control units or RCP. RT-Accelerator for xPC Target is now available directly from Opal-RT Technologies and the company's global network of distributors and system integrators. For more information, visit www.Opal-RT.com

About Opal-RT Technologies Inc.
Founded in 1997, Opal-RT is the leading developer of open Real-Time Digital Simulators and hardware-in-the-loop testing systems for electrical, power electronic and electro-mechanical systems. Opal-RT's unique approach integrates parallel, distributed computing with commercial-off-the-shelf technologies. Opal-RT's customers perform Rapid Control Prototyping, System Integration, and Hardware-in-the-Loop testing of electric drives, electronic controllers and power distribution networks used in manufacturing, electric train networks, and by electrical utilities. Companies using Opal-RT Simulators include ABB, GE, Hitachi, Mitsubishi Electric, GM and Toyota.
 

-30-