ControlDesk

ControlDesk

The New Dimension of Experimenting

AD DA

n One integrated tool for the control, monitoring, and automation of real-time experiments n Virtual instrument panels n Advanced automation features n Consistent, central data management
Platforms Windows NT, 95, and 98 With ControlDesk, dSPACE presents a new generation of experiment software that will make controller development easier than ever. No matter whether you want to validate controller models in real time with rapid control prototyping or verify control units in hardware-inthe-loop simulation the variety of different user interfaces during development has come to an end. From now on, you can perform all imaginable experiment tasks with just one tool. For specification and design, you can use standard modeling tools such as MATLAB/Simulink. As soon as your application is implemented on the real-time hardware, for example, by means of the dSPACE RealTime Interface, ControlDesk takes over. From the interactive control of real-time applications to even the most complex test automation tasks everything is integrated under one roof. Integrated Hardware and Experiment Management with central data storage enable ControlDesk to meet the most professional demands. State-of-the-art GUI techniques such as drag & drop, context menus, floating windows, and comprehensive online help will make your experiments a pleasure.

Release Planned for the beginning of 1999

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Why ControlDesk?
ControlDesk makes your experiments more effective. n One integrated tool for all experiment tasks n Real-time data acquisition and online parameter tuning n Automation of your complete experiments ControlDesk makes building instrument panels easier than ever. n Comprehensive set of virtual instruments n Intuitive and powerful instrument configuration n Automated instrument panel setup ControlDesk shortens your development cycles dramatically. n Perfect connection to Simulink and SystemBuild n Macro Recorder for automation of most ControlDesk features n Stimulus Editor for graphical test scripting ControlDesk gives you control over your experiments any time. n Comprehensive Experiment Management features n Central, consistent data storage n Graphical Hardware Management
Experiment Software

How Do I Get the ControlDesk I Need?

You can tailor ControlDesk to your specific needs by choosing from a variety of ControlDesk Kits. Basic ControlDesk The foundation of your experiments n Includes Experiment Management, Hardware Management, and Source Code Editor n Delivered free of charge with every dSPACE system Instrumentation Kits Building impressive instrument panels n Base Instrumentation Kit including the most important instruments and Parameter Editor (required for all other kits) n Animation Instrumentation Kit including 3-D animation, Automotive Instrumentation Kit for building car dashboards, Avionics Instrumentation Kit for building aircraft cockpits (require Base Instrumentation Kit; all in preparation) Automation Kits The key to automated experiments n ControlDesk Automation Kit for the automated operation of most ControlDesk features (requires Base Instrumentation Kit) n Test Automation Kit for advanced test automation tasks (requires ControlDesk Automation Kit) ControlDesk Kits and their interdependencies
Test Automation Kit (page 58) Animation Instrumentation Kit (page 55) Basic ControlDesk (page 52)

Base Instrumentation Kit (page 53)

Automotive Instrumentation Kit (page 55)

Avionics Instrumentation Kit (page 55)

ControlDesk Automation Kit (page 56)

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How Do I Work with ControlDesk?

1. Create a new experiment and download your application.

By creating a new experiment, ControlDesk keeps track of all data that will be generated during this experiment, including your models, instrument panels, automation scripts, etc. All registered boards of the system are displayed in the Hardware Navigator. To download your model, simply drag your application from the File Selection Bar to a board icon. Alternatively, use Real-Time Interface or CodeLink to download your Simulink or SystemBuild model directly. Required ControlDesk Kits
n Basic ControlDesk

2. Build a virtual instrument panel.

Choose a control or plotter instrument from the Instrument Selection Bar and place it on the workspace. Double-click the instrument to open the instrument property sheet. Choose from various preconfigured instrument settings or powerful configuration options. To assign a real-time variable, drag it from the Variable Browser onto the instrument. Repeat the above steps for any other instrument. Required ControlDesk Kits
n Base Instrumentation Kit n Additional Instrumentation

Kits for building specific panels (in preparation)

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3. Start your experiment.

Click the Animation Mode button to put your instrument panel into operation. To change parameter values, operate sliders or other input instruments. Observe the effects with plotters and save the results to disk. You can operate the instruments with a mouse and keys. Required ControlDesk Kits
n Base Instrumentation Kit n Additional Instrumentation

Experiment Software

Kits for building specific panels (in preparation)

4. Automate your experiment.

With the graphical Stimulus Editor, you can create real-time stimuli including loops and ifelse-conditions. The automation features are based on a powerful scripting language, which can also be used for test report generation with office tools or for more advanced applications. Furthermore, the Macro Recorder allows you to record and replay most of the ControlDesk actions you perform. Required ControlDesk Kits
n Test Automation Kit

for real-time sequencing

n ControlDesk Automation Kit

for automating ControlDesk

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Basic ControlDesk
n Easy-to-use Hardware Management features n Experiment Management with central data storage n Intelligent Source Code Editor n Automated configuration of management utilities possible (see ControlDesk Automation on page 56)

Hardware Management n Graphical Hardware Navigator to keep track of system setup n Comfortable registration of new boards n Program loading with drag & drop n Program start and stop n Memory size and processor clock determination n Error check utility and error message logging n Viewer for configuration data base and log file

Hardware Navigator and board registration dialog.

Experiment Management n Experiment administration including version and author information n Central data storage of experiment data, including experiment description, model data, instrument panel configurations, simulation results, automation scripts, and external data n Basic consistency checks

Central Experiment Management including consistency checks.

Source Code Editor n Intelligent built-in editor for the manual programming of C programs or automation scripts n Syntax coloring n Direct compile, link and download of C programs per mouse click

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Instrumentation
n Building virtual instrument panels with drag & drop n Interactive control and monitoring of real-time applications n Application-specific instrument kits for dashboards and cockpits n Automated operation of instruments possible (see ControlDesk Automation on page 56)

For online monitoring, ControlDesk provides various instruments, such as gauges, plots, and sliders.

Experiment Software

The Avionic Instrumentation Kit (in preparation) provides instruments Instrument Selection Bar for fast access to all instruments. such as artificial horizon, altimeter, or GPS, and lets you rebuild your original aircraft cockpit.

Designing Instrument Panels n Various Instrumentation Kits (see page 55): Base, Automotive, Avionics, Animation n Comprehensive configuration options for instrument properties, such as min/max values, size, position, colors, fonts n Instrument auto-labeling possible (variable name, unit) n Instrument Selection Bar for fast access to all instruments n User-definable instrument hierarchies and groups n Re-use of user-configured instruments n Grouping operations for moving and alignment n Test Mode for checking the instrument functions without a connection to the real-time hardware Instrument property dialogs allow an easy configuration of all instruments.

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Displaying Time Histories and Acquiring Data n Displaying time histories in real time with plotter instruments n No interruption of the real-time experiment n Typical oscilloscope features, such as x/y plots, reference signal overlay, and downsampling n Semilogarithmic plots n Special logic analyzer display for binary variables n Free-running or triggered data capturing n Various display update modes n Various plot analysis aids for individual or multiple plots, such as zoom, difference measurements, and min/max value search n Stream-to-disk operation mode Plotter instruments including logic analyzer for displaying time histories. n Import/export interfaces to MATLAB and ControlDesk Test Automation for data pre- or postprocessing Controlling and Monitoring Real-Time Applications n Tuning parameters online n Displaying variable values continuously n No interruption of the real-time experiment n Instrument operation with a mouse and/or keys Typical instruments for control and monitoring tasks: slider and gauge. n Multiple instrument panels during runtime Handling Parameter Sets n Loading parameter sets onto running real-time applications n Saving multiple parameter sets from running real-time applications n Easy definition of parameter values, parameter units, and description texts with the graphical Parameter Editor Easy compilation of parameter sets with the graphical Parameter Editor. n Definition of subsets with filtering functions n Import/export of parameter sets from/to file (MAT, XLS, etc.) Assigning Variables to Instruments n Variable assignment with drag & drop n Assignments to all instruments possible during runtime n Variables either from real-time application (e.g., control parameters) or from other ControlDesk instruments n Variable selection in hierarchical Variable Browser representing Simulink or SystemBuild model hierarchy Variable Browser for easy variable selection. n Variable search and filter operations n Automatic generation of required variable mapping files from Simulink with Real-Time Interface or from SystemBuild with CodeLink

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Instrumentation Kits n Base Instrumentation Kit LED, multistate alert, slider, bar, push button, radio button, frame, knob, gauge, numeric display, tabular display, text field, movie and sound playing (in preparation), plotter, logic analyzer, 2-D curve editor, 3-D table editor, etc. n Animation Instrumentation Kit (in preparation) 3-D online animation of mechanical systems (formerly RealMotion, see page 62) n Automotive Instrumentation Kit (in preparation) speedometer, fuel, oil pressure, voltage, bit display, etc. n Avionics Instrumentation Kit (in preparation) artificial horizon, airspeed, altimeter, throttle, autopilot, GPS, etc.
Experiment Software

Instrument Example 1: Slider One of the most important components of any instrument panel is the slider. Sliders can be used either as an input instrument (slider at the top) or an output instrument (slider at the bottom). Sophisticated configuration options allow you to adapt the sliders exactly to your specific needs, for example, by displaying min and max values. Instrument Example 2: Plotter Plotter instruments help you to keep track of continuous and binary variables. During the experiment, the plotter toolbar offers you a number of analysis aids, such as zooming, measurement of time and amplitude differences, and unlimited reference signal overlay. In the properties dialog, you can configure the plotter exactly to your specific needs. Instrument Example 3: 3-D Table Editor This instrument allows you to edit and download complete lookup tables via a mouse click. For this, you have several graphical editors at your disposal: With the table editor, you can exactly see and adjust the individual values of the lookup table. Intelligent dialogs for group operations speed up your work considerably. The 2-D and 3-D displays give you an impression of the complete characteristics curves and maps and allow you to move the interpolation points with a mouse. Lookup tables can be imported or exported to and from external data files.

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ControlDesk Automation
n Programming interface to nearly all ControlDesk features n Automated processing of time-consuming, recurrent tasks, e.g., parameter studies n Macro Recorder for recording ControlDesk operations n Powerful scripting language with object-oriented features n OLE automation interface to office tools

Graphical User Interfaces and Editors

With the Macro Recorder, you can record your ControlDesk activities. The recorder generates a script that is based on the ControlDesk Automation script module. For advanced automation tasks, such as generating loops or importing parameter sets, you can use the built-in Source Code Editor to extend the generated script.

Source Code Editor

Macro Recorder

Script Language

ControlDesk Automation

OLE (e.g. MATLAB, Word, Excel)

Script Modules

Macro Recording n Macro Recorder for recording ControlDesk operations n Allows automated operation of complete experiments n Includes automation of most ControlDesk functions, such as hardware configuration, program loading, experiment administration, reading/writing variables, capturing time histories, and handling instrument panels n Recording and replaying either time-dependent or as fast as possible Advanced ControlDesk Automation n Manual modification of generated scripts for advanced operations with built-in Source Code Editor n Control structures such as loops and conditional branches n Procedural and object-oriented programming features n Import of parameter sets in various data formats n MATLAB interface for data exchange and remote control n OLE automation interface to standard office software for documentation, e.g., Word and Excel

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ControlDesk Automation Example: Automated Parameter Study

Start

Create Experiment

Setup Hardware Load Model Load Instrument Panel

Your task In order to parameterize your controller or plant model, you want to record time histories of signals for a large number of different parameter sets. This involves a whole series of individual steps (see flow chart on the right): Before the parameter study begins, you create the ControlDesk experiment, set up the hardware, load the model and the instrument panel, and configure the data capture. During the study, you adjust the parameters, start the data capture, and eventually store the time histories for each parameter set to a file. After the parameter study, you generate an experiment report via the OLE script module. performed automatically: For an automatic execution of the steps described above, you just have to perform them once manually and record them with the ControlDesk Macro Recorder. With the intelligent Source Code Editor, you can then enhance the generated script (gray boxes in the flow chart). The manual modifications include the parameter value definition, the loop statements, and the file name generation. To perform the parameter study, all you have to do is to start the script, and everything will run automatically. Advanced enhancements If you want to proceed in invisible mode, for example, for long-term studies without graphical display, just erase the instruction for instrumentation panel loading and the task will be performed in the background. If you want to change the graphical display depending on a monitored quantity, for example, a safety-relevant quantity, you can add property setting commands to activate an alert button or to change the background color to red.
Within the Script or Import from MATLAB or Import from EXCEL

Setup and Loading

Definition of Parameter Studies Insert Next Parameter Set

Configure Trigger/Data Capture

Capture Data

Generate Filename Store Data to File

Experiment Software

Generate Exp. Report

Shutdown

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Test Automation
n Remote control of a complete hardware-in-the-loop environment, e.g., for automated ECU testing n Automated operation of test benches, including external laboratory devices n Generation of arbitrary real-time signals with graphical Stimulus Editor n No programming required for standard signal generation applications n Import and replay of measurement data with guaranteed time accuracy n Test report generation n Powerful script language for advanced applications, including script modules for a variety of applications

Graphical User Interfaces and Editors

Source Code Editor

Stimulus Editor

Script Language
With the Stimulus Editor, you can graphically generate complex test stimuli sequences, including loops and conditional branches. A wide range of script modules allows you to enhance the script generated by the Stimulus Editor and to perform other test automation tasks.

Real-Time Processor Access

Signal Generation

Failure Mode Simulation

RS232 Interface

OLE (e.g. MATLAB, Word, Excel)

Script Modules

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Test Automation Example 1: Automated ECU Testing in HIL Simulation Your tasks As a car manufacturer, you have to test ECUs as soon as a new version has been released by the supplier. Static tests with simple artificial input signals do not fulfil your needs. For realistic test conditions you need a closed-loop operation using hardware-in-the-loop simulation. In order to check the ECUs on-board diagnosis, you have to repeat complex test sequences for every value of a table. By simulating error situations such as short-circuits or non-plausible values, you want to check the error flags on the ECU. Access to the ECUs diagnosis line as well as measurement of ECU variables is mandatory. The test report should be generated automatically. automated with Test Automation: Assuming that you have already finished developing your simulation model, you can start Test Automation using the graphical Stimulus Editor to generate the stimuli sequences. In the next step, you switch to the Source Code Editor and develop your complete test scenario step by step. For example, select the models and ECUs variables to measure and define their expected behavior for automatic testing. Short turnaround cycles allow an intuitive and very flexible development. Validated test parts can be inserted into the library mechanism and be re-used in other test environments. Test Automation Example 2: Test Bench Automation for the Determination of a Motor Efficiency Characteristics Map Your tasks In a test bench for a hybrid vehicle, you want to determine the characteristics map of the motor efficiency. While the motor itself exists as a real component, nonexisting parts are simulated on a dSPACE hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulator. To get the characteristics map, you have to approach each individual operating point of the motor, that is, speed and torque. This includes controlling the motor speed until a steady state is reached. Then, all the required data have to be measured and the efficiency must be calculated. automated with Test Automation: With ControlDesk Test Automation, you can automate all the steps described above. In the Stimulus Editor, you graphically define the signal sequence for the desired speed and torque, which will then be executed on the HIL simulator. As soon as a steady state is reached, Test Automation automatically starts acquiring the required data using standard dSPACE I/O hardware, and saves this data to file. For additional I/O communication, the PCs RS232 interface can be used. Test Automation repeats this procedure for every operating point. Then, all the acquired data are transferred to MATLAB where the characteristics map is calculated and plotted.
Experiment Software

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Real-Time Processor Access n Read and write any variable on the real-time hardware independent of data type n Real-time data capturing with triggered or free-run mode n Memory management on real-time hardware n Reset of programs and boards Real-Time Signal Generation n Graphical editor for defining real-time stimuli or changing model variables n Matrix format for defining an arbitrary number of piecewise combined signals Stimulus Editor for easy signal generation. (row = model variable, column = time tag, cell entry = signal form description) n Signal forms include constant, ramp, noise, exponential, square, sine, pulse, triangular, and saw-tooth n Intuitive variable assignment with hierarchical Variable Browser representing Simulink model hierarchy n Graphical definition of control structures for repetitions (loops) and condition checks (if bigger/smaller) n Plots for off-line check of the defined signals n Separation of test scenarios and parameter sets for the re-use of signal sequences with different parameters n Generated test scenarios can be inserted into a user-configurable library mechanism (in preparation)

All you need for intelligent real-time signal generation is: a Stimulus Editor for defining piecewise combined signals (top left), off-line plots for evaluation (middle left), a browser for easy variable assignment (bottom), and the generated test script

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Import/Replay of Measurement Data n Import of measurement data recorded with external data loggers n Interpolated replay of measured data with guaranteed time accuracy n Useful for the real-time simulation of recorded or standard driving cycles (e.g., FTP cycles) Model-Based Sensor/Actuator Failure Mode Simulation (in preparation) n Simulation of hardware signal failure by using overlaid signals; e.g., to simulate broken connections and noise or shift on signals n Real-Time Interface optionally inserts a signal overlay code for any I/O channel without changing the Simulink block diagram n Completely configurable by scripting (no access to Simulink required) n Controlled by real-time signal generation Electrical Sensor/Actuator Failure Mode Simulation n Remote control of external relay boxes and fault mode interfaces via dSPACE digital outputs n Simulates open or closed signals and short circuits n Switching sequences can be defined with real-time signal generation Advanced Features n Link to the PCs RS232 interface, e.g., to access diagnosis hardware or to control laboratory devices remotely n Automatic protocolling and test report generation n OLE automation link to Windows applications, such as MATLAB, Word, and Excel n ASAP 3 compatible interface for automating measurement and calibration systems (in preparation) n Optional ECU Communication Engineering Service available for custom-specific connection to your electronic control unit, e.g., via K-line or dual-port memory access Communication with external tools and devices, for example, with MATLAB, Office tools, diagnosis hardware, or ECUs.
Experiment Software

Guaranteed Real-Time Execution An outstanding feature of the Signal Generation is its real-time capability. Although you describe your sequences by means of graphical editors and scripts on your host PC, an interrupt service routine running with the sample rate of your real-time application on the processor guarantees execution in real time. This service routine is controlled by a specific control table generated from your script and downloaded onto the processor.

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