Benchmarking Software Tools for Mechatronic Applications

Mechatronic systems such as the anti-lock braking system, the powertrain control system, and even domestic items such as a microwave oven are designed such that there is a seamless interaction between the electronic components and the mechanical components that make up these systems. Use of software tools in simulating the behavior of such systems is an important step in their product development cycle. Since the success of a mechatronic product depends heavily on the synergistic interaction of all its components, it is imperative that the software tool used in its design be capable of addressing its multi-domain needs. There are several commercial software tools that are currently available for modeling and simulation of mechatronic systems. Adequacy of all these tools is not the same. Some are adept as a mechanical simulator but do a poorer job of electronic simulation. Others are just the opposite. In this paper a benchmarking study will be reported in which a couple of mechatronic systems will be modeled using several of these well known modeling tools. The capability of these software tools for modeling mechatronic systems will be analyzed through this effort.