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A mature process for the development of embedded controls and systems using Model-Based Design relies on libraries of validated models for the physical system components. These models are used throughout the design process and are readily available to the system and controls engineers for design and validation tasks. Models are created at various levels of abstraction to accommodate analysis needs at various stages of the design process. Abstract models are used early in the process for quick assessment of design tradeoffs, while higher fidelity models are used as the design progresses to account for the dynamics that affect system performance. Once acceptable system performance is achieved with desktop simulation, the models are moved to a real-time platform for final verification. Creating real-time capable plant models typically requires making assumptions and compromises to achieve acceptable performance.

Intense competition in the automotive industry requires continuous reduction in innovation cycle time, even as corporations are downsizing and system complexity is increasing. Subsequently, the application of recently introduced Rapid Algorithm Development (RAD) tools has facilitated significant advances in the development of embedded control systems. The RAD steps include system modeling, control algorithm design, simulation analysis, automated calibration design, and vehicle implementation through automatic code generation. The application of RAD tools and the associated benefits are described, specifically in the context of Engine Management Systems (EMS). Such benefits include significant reductions in development cycle time, open architecture, automated calibration, and information reuse.