PXI addresses new HIL applications: explore the many options available today for developing advanced, processor-intensive HIL applications.(PC-BASED TEST)

The implementation of hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) applications traditionally has required custom software and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). The long development cycles, lack of I/O connectivity, and required processing power have made the implementation of HIL prototyping systems more difficult. The development times required to design an HIL system and integrate a wide range of measurement I/O with custom proprietary software have caused many design engineers to forgo HIL verification.

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With new technologies such as PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation (PXI), open graphical development and simulation software, and the availability of a wide range of hardware with support for real-time operating systems (RTOSs), engineers and integrators now have more options for developing advanced, processor-intensive HIL applications.

Traditionally, aerospace and automotive design engineers have implemented HIL prototyping systems because of the need for advanced suitability before full-scale development. Software design models for new products are deterministically simulated at high speeds and interfaced with input and output signals from hardware I/O in real time. The result is better designed products and less iteration with costly prototypes.

In the case of aerospace design, where the cost of the prototype often is secondary to safety concerns, HIL system prototyping is a necessity. With the availability of suitable commercial technologies, a new demand is being satisfied for cost-effective implementation of very flexible, high-performance HIL applications. …

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