Using emulation to enhance simulation

Abstract

Simulation is a powerful tool for examining a system or process, but ensuring that the model truly represents the real world is difficult. It can also be challenging to ensure a return on the investment put into developing a model. Emulation satisfies both problems. In an emulation, models of production lines are connected to and controlled by the actual controls that run the line on the factory floor. By doing this, the logic of the line is debugged much earlier in the process than normal, which provides myriad advantages. The model will more accurately represent the real world and any work that is being done on the line - starting up a new line, improving production, changing machines - can be tested in a virtual setting to ensure functionality and improve upon safety and cost. Emulation can reduce the costs of starting or modifying a line by up to 50%. ©2010 IEEE.