Course

Syllabus

Introduction to Model-in-the-Loop (MIL), Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) – Need and advantages of HIL – Real-time simulation concepts, deterministic execution – I/O interface design and synchronization – Case studies: Automotive, Aerospace, Power Systems, Power Electronics & Drive applications. 

Concept, definition, and lifecycle of a Digital Twin -Types of Digital Twins: Product, Process, and System Twins- Data flow between physical and digital systems – Virtual sensing and real-time analytics – Interfacing with IoT devices and cloud platforms (MQTT, OPC-UA, Azure IoT Hub). Case studies: Smart Grid, Manufacturing, Predictive Maintenance.

Coupling HIL systems with Digital Twins – Real-time data acquisition and feedback loops – Co-simulation frameworks: FMI/FMU standards, OpenModelica, Functional Mock-up Interface – Fault injection and scenario testing – Challenges: Latency, Security, Model fidelity. Future trends: AI-powered twins, Edge computing integration.

HIL Tools: MATLAB/Simulink Real-Time Environment, OPAL-RT, dSPACE, Typhoon-HIL, NI-DAQ.

Pre-requisite: Digital Signal Processing

Course Objectives

• To understand the role of HIL in system prototyping and validation.
• To explore the concept of Digital Twins and their integration with cyber-physical systems.
• To gain practical exposure to the tools, platforms, and frameworks used in HIL and Digital Twin development.
• To bridge the gap between simulation and real-world deployment through co-simulation and real-time interfacing techniques.

Course Outcomes

CO1: Understand the role of HIL in system prototyping and validation.

CO2: Design HIL test benches using simulation tools and embedded hardware.

CO3: Develop the architecture and lifecycle of a Digital Twin system.

CO4: Develop Digital Twin models using physical and data-driven approaches.

CO-PO Mapping

1. Franklin, G. F., Powell, J. D., & Emami-Naeini, A., “Feedback Control of Dynamic Systems “, 8th edition, Pearson, 2019.
2. Drath, R., “Integrated Simulation and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) for Mechatronic Systems”, VDI Verlag, 2010.
3. Tao, F., Sui, F., Liu, A., Qi, Q., Zhang, M., & Song, B., “Digital Twin Driven Smart Design”, 1^st Edition, Elsevier, 2020.
4. Zhang, W., Yang, D., & Wang, J., “Data-Driven Modeling for Digital Twin and Smart Manufacturing “, 1^st Edition, Springer, 2021.
5. MathWorks. MATLAB Documentation and Toolboxes for HIL and Simscape Real-Time. Available at: https://www.mathworks.com/help
6. National Instruments (NI) and dSPACE GmbH. Technical Manuals and Application Notes. Available at:
1. NI: https://www.ni.com/documentation/
2. dSPACE: https://www.dspace.com/en/pub/home/support/documentation.cfm