Specifications

Summary
In the Dynamics and Control Technology group of the department of Mechanical Engineering,
dSPACE is a common choice for rapid control prototyping in multiple analog in/output set-ups. For
smaller set-ups, up to 2 analog in/outputs, the TUeDACS QAD or AQI systems are usually used. The
biggest advantage of the latter is the direct interface with Matlab Simulink. This report describes how
dSPACE can be replaced by a system alike the TUeDACS QAD and AQI.
The procedure to install a real-time Linux environment and the connectivity with Matlab Simulink
RTW was already described by W.T. Oud [6] and was updated by M.G.E. Schneiders. A step-by-step
plan can be found in chapter 2 and the appendices C through E.
To make Matlab Simulink RTW communicate under Linux RTAI with the Data Acquisition and
Control System (DACS), S-function drivers are written. They are explained with a flowchart with a
clear difference between user space and kernel space calls.
Finally the performance and accuracy are mapped. A procedure is given with which the maximum
performance can be squeezed out of the boards for any set of channels. This report is written for users
of the described rapid control prototyping system, using Linux RTAI and Matlab Simulink. It is also
useful as a short introduction for making such a system yourself.
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