Controller Simulation Interfaces for AD/DA Conversion Fidelity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing simulation models, such as those described in Patent Literature 1, fail to simulate the influence of source code on the input/output processes, particularly in the context of digitalization through AD and DA conversion processes, which are crucial for controller behavior.

Innovation Solution

A simulation model and method that includes a plant model and a controller model, where the controller model has interfaces and processing parts to execute AD and DA conversion processes, referring to parameters to cancel changes in the digital signals, thereby simulating the influence of source code in both input and output processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automatic code generating device is used to generate source code from Simulink model, then code generation efficiency is improved, but the ability to simulate source code influence on input/output processes is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecode generation efficiencyVSAvoidsimulation fidelity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a controller model that copies the structure and logic of the actual controller including source code implementation. This copy includes AD conversion interface, processing parts with source code, and DA conversion interface, allowing the simulation to reflect the true behavior of the controller including digitalization effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The controller model is segmented into distinct functional components: AD conversion interface, first processing part, second processing part, and DA conversion interface. Each segment can be independently configured with source code and parameters, allowing precise simulation of source code influence on specific input/output processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If source code is included in controller model for accurate simulation, then simulation fidelity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimulation fidelityVSAvoidcontroller model complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller model serves multiple functions: it acts as both a simulation object and a representation of the actual controller. The same source code used in the real controller is incorporated into the simulation model, allowing one model to fulfill both simulation and documentation purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces interface components (AD conversion interface and DA conversion interface) that mediate between the plant model and processing parts. These interfaces handle signal conversion and provide a standardized way to incorporate source code, reducing overall system complexity despite adding detailed modeling capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4679204A1Simulation model, simulation system, and simulation method
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP4679204A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4679204A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4679204A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A first interface is configured to, in an AD conversion process, refer to a first parameter in a first process executed by a first processing part and execute, on a first digital signal, a process of cancelling a change by the first parameter in the first process to obtain a third digital signal corresponding to a first analog signal. A second interface is configured to, in a DA conversion process, refer to a second parameter in a second process executed by a second processing part and execute, on a second digital signal, a process of cancelling a change by the second parameter in the second process to obtain a second analog signal corresponding to a fourth digital signal.