Real-time communication between MATLAB/Simulink and PLC via process visualization interface

This paper shows real-time implementation of control algorithms from a simulation environment into the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). Development of control algorithms is necessary for their use in a simulation environment and verification on simulation models. The real control system should be connected to the simulation environment with a PLC to test the control algorithms on a real physical model. In this case the PLC is used only as an 10 device and all computations are performed in the simulation environment - MATLAB/Simulink. This connection is ensured via a general process visualization interface, which can transmit a data via different communication protocols: Ethernet, RS232, CAN or ProfiBus. Finally, the control algorithm should be implemented into the PLC and MATLAB/Simulink can be used for monitoring of the process input, output or others parameters. All implementation steps are shown on one of advanced control algorithms - the Generalized Predictive Control.