A network based prototyping system for applications in research and engineering education.
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Date
2001
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Abstract
Engineering educators the world over are being faced with the dilemma of combining traditional
mathematically intensive courses, like Control Systems and Robotics with advances in computational
hardware and software. This is because it is impractical to include both software engineering issues as
well as conventional course content.
A solution to the problem lies in Rapid Prototyping technology to develop and design software, for
application on PC's and embedded systems. Rapid Prototyping, based on automatic code generation,
allows users to develop advanced software on high level graphical platforms like Simulink® and
LabView®, while " hiding" the underlying layers of complex code. This approach allows the advanced
hardware, traditionally reserved for software engineers, to be accessed by a much wider audience and
is an ideal educational tool.
This thesis presents the complete development of the Rapid Application Development Environment
(RADE). The RADE system customises the Mathworks Real Time Workshop (RTW) revision 11 for
application on both standalone and networked DS? cards. The functionality of the RTW is
incorporated into the RADE system. This affords the user seamless code generation, downloading, on-line parameter tuning and on-line data visualisation with storage capability. An added advantage of the
RADE system is its easy portability to multiple target platforms, which is demonstrated by its
implementation on two different DSP cards.
Finally the functionality of the RADE system is demonstrated as an educational tool, with the
demonstration of a DC motor speed and position controller.
Description
Thesis (M.Sc.Eng.-University of Natal, Durban, 2001.
Keywords
Rapid prototyping., Engineering--Study and teaching., Real-time control., Engineering research., Software engineering., Theses--Electrical engineering.