RT-LAB Professional
8.1 Now Available

RT-LAB™ is a distributed real-time platform that facilitates the design process for engineering systems by taking engineers from Simulink or SystemBuild dynamic models to real-time with hardware-in-the-loop, in a very short time, at a low cost. Its scalability allows the developer to add compute-power where and when needed. It is flexible enough to be applied to the most complex simulation and control problem, whether it is for real-time hardware-in-the-loop applications or for speeding up model execution, control and test.

RT-LAB provides tools for running simulations of highly complex models on a network of distributed run-time targets, communicating via ultra low-latency technologies, in order to achieve the required performance. In addition, RT-LAB's modular design enables the delivery of economical systems by supplying only the modules needed for the application in order to minimize computational requirements and meet customers price targets. This is essential for high-volume embedded applications.

How it Works

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RT-LAB allows the user to readily convert Simulink or SystemBuild models to real-time simulations, via Real-Time Workshop(RTW) or Autocode, and run them over one or more PC processors. This is used particularly for Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and rapid control prototyping applications. RT-LAB transparently handles synchronization, user interaction, real-world interfacing using I/O boards and data exchanges for seamless distributed execution.

Single Target Configuration

In this configuration, typically used for rapid control prototyping, a single computer runs the plant simulation or control logic. One or more hosts may connect to the target via an Ethernet link. The target can either run QNX or RedHawk Linux for applications where real-time performance is required or for fast simulations, or Windows XP as a simulation accelerator. In both cases, RT-LAB supports single- and multi-CPUs PCs.

Distributed Target Configuration

The distributed configuration allows for complex models to be distributed over a cluster of PCs running in parallel. The target nodes in the cluster communicate between each other with low latency protocols such as FireWire, SignalWire or InfiniBand, fast enough to provide reliable communication for real-time applications. The real-time cluster is linked to one or more host stations through a TCP/IP network. Here again, the cluster of PCs can be used for real-time applications (using QNX or RedHawk Linux), or fast simulation of complex systems (using QNX, RedHawk or Windows). RT-LAB PC-cluster targets are designed for flexible and reconfigurable mega-simulation. The user can build and expand the PC-cluster as needed, then redeploy the PCs for other applications when the simulation is done. RT-LAB can accommodate up to 64 nodes running in parallel.