Real-Time Process Control

Abstract

Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing of the ion-plating system in Chaps. 6 and 7 is presented in this chapter. Testing process control algorithms using system hardware enables faster process development. For example, a candidate controller model may be applied to a component subsystem, such as a vacuum control valve, or a mass flow control system that will be used during the deposition process. Simulation of the deposition process using real hardware rather than prototype components is possible using a suitable software tool such as Simulink or LabView, to name a few. All of the subsystem control algorithms within the coating process may be exercised using real hardware and validated during the testing and development phase of process development. After validation, the final source code may be deployed onto a correctly sized pc or similar firmware application.