One way to achieve faster development cycles in a model-based development process is to apply rapid control prototyping. This methodology targets the execution of software code automatically generated from a model on a commercially available prototype Electronic Control Unit (ECU). This way, it is possible to test adapted control algorithms very early in the development process without needing to wait until the final target hardware is available.
Challenge: Transitioning from the Simulated to the Real System
However, the best method to validate a control function is to test it, not only in a simulated, but also in the real environment. Engineers often struggle to achieve a seamless transition between those test phases. This is where a prototype ECU comes into play that can be used in the laboratory as well as in flight. To achieve this, the prototype platform needs to provide high performance as well as have a compact and robust design, so it can run the adapted controller code in an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), for example.
Solution: Using MicroAutoBox III as a Prototype ECU in Flight
The dSPACE MicroAutoBox III fulfills those requirements by enabling the transfer of the code from the laboratory to the real aircraft to perform flight tests. In this case, multiple sensors are connected via a common data bus, such as CAN, required for transmitting variables. When testing a flight control function, for example, these variables include speed, altitude, position, angle of attack, and sideslip angle. The control algorithms running on the MicroAutoBox III use this input to calculate the difference between the desired and the target value and provide the required feedback commands in real time to the flight control system.
