Article: Getting personal with system simulation

For modelling and simulation of systems, there is no other software on the PC which can match VisSim for a combination of power and usability. However, its power and breadth of application can be extended with several custom packages and add-ons. These make VisSim even more applicable to certain sectors.

For example, engineers are shortening the development cycle of motion and motor control systems using VisSim/Motion, a package that includes a pre-built library that simulates motors, controllers, sensors, transforms, loads and voltage sources. Five high-fidelity motor models, including AC induction, Brushless DC (PMSM), and stepper motor models are included.

VisSim/Embedded Controls Developer is software for the rapid prototyping and creation of embedded controllers for the Texas Instruments C2000 DSPs. With this, you can build a model of your entire system, including the control algorithm and the plant, generate production code, and then download the code to the target DSP.

VisSim/Real-TimePro extends the power of VisSim by integrating a simulation with a physical process for real-time hardware-in-the-loop simulation and validation. The interface to real-world hardware is through computer I/O cards, high-speed motion control interface cards, or serial port connections to a PLC or DCS. No code generation or programming is involved in configuring an HIL system with VisSim/Real-TimePRO.

If you’re modelling a braking and suspension system, the trajectory of a missile or the cost of a shipment and scheduling system, you’ll be able to find the optimal values for the design variables using VisSim/OptimizePRO. It can calculate the optimal PID controller gains that give minimal time to setpoint, plus minimal overshoot by allowing the user to specify cost functions such as steady-state error, and rise and settling times.

These give just an introduction to the world of VisSim. Perhaps it’s time to find out more?

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