Industrial PC-based real-time controllers applied to second-order and first-order plus time delay processes

摘要

Nowadays, the industrial processes are controlled mainly by using Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC). Anyway, the more strict specifications imposed at present day are bringing about the gradual introduction of advanced control techniques (fuzzy, adaptive, ...) in industry. In order to soundly implement such techniques, new hardware (DSP, Industrial PC, ...) may be necessary. This paper describes a complete environment for a realistic experimentation on advanced controllers in order to facilitate its study and posterior implementation in productive processes. The experimentation environment is formed by an industrial PC that acts as real time controller and other PC or real actuators like process plants. Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) experimentation provides a very useful tool for testing systems or subsystems at early stages of the development process. This can reduce the debugging process of the system, in addition to eliminate project risks, because hardware prototype is not necessary before carrying out testing and system integration. HIL experimentations work in real time and carry out input and output operations as a part of the real system in their operative environment. This enables the system or subsystem to be tested under work nominal conditions as well as at its intended operational boundaries.