Control system simulation

[ITA]

Hi,
I need to do control system simulation.
Can I use the LabVIEW for this purpose? Are there any alternatives to LabVIEW?
What are LabVIEW's advantages over the others (Like PLCs etc.)?
Do I need LabVIEW simulation tool for this? Will PDS serve the purpose?

[K_Bull]

Hi,
If you want to know what labview is, click here. This tutorial gives an introduction to Labview. The Labview FAQ has the link to the customer solutions if you wish to view where Labview has been used by other engineers.
If you describe your application in more detail, I am sure other engineers will cast their opinions here.
Regards,

[djs_at_eaton]

I've written two LabVIEW programs where I simulated machinery.  I set up the control output so it could be read by the simulator.  The simulator calculated the system response to the output and generated waveforms that were fed back as normal DAQ input.  The simulator "knew" the system delays and adjusted the waveforms accordingly.  The artificial machinery would oscillate if the control loops weren't tuned properly.

Yes, it's a problem to debug the simulator and hardware simultaneously.  The benefit is the ability to write and test the control software with minimal risk to expensive machinery or developing dangerous situations.

LabVIEW is an appropriate tool for this.  I wrote my own math and did not use the simulation tool (I didn't have it).

One LabVIEW advantage is the ability (in most cases) to slow the simulation and watch it operate.

[ITA]

Hello There!
Thanks for yur replies.
Still my question remains unanswered, What are LabVIEW's advantages over PLC based systems?

[michaeld]

Try taking at look at a document explaining the benefits of using National Instruments PAC and LabVIEW vs. traditional PLC's

[ITA]

Thanks Michaeld!