Hardware-in-the-loop for the design and testing of control systems

The concept Hardware in the Loop (HIL) has a large field of applications as simulation, analysis of performance, and dynamic control of systems, among others, owing to its operation in real time. In this work, is shown a control system for a hydraulic pump driven by an electric motor, which supplies with fluid a tank arranged for the product. The pump and the motor correspond to a second order system, which when is joined to the tank makes a system of third order. This system is discretized by means of the technique of zero-order hold ZOH representing the mathematical model in the Z plane, later differential equations and solved using the simulation technique was implemented for HIL. The plant is implemented on an ARM STM32F407VG, its response to a step input through the physical signal generator was tested, and its operation is displayed on the screen of an oscilloscope. This experience allows conclude that the technique of HIL is established as an effective, fast and inexpensive way to simulate a plant and develop control dynamics, optimizing time and resources for completing a project. © 2016 SERSC.