Opal-RT Extends Capabilities of Real-Time Simulators with the Launch of RT-LAB 10.1

MONTREAL, Oct. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Opal-RT Technologies (www.opal-rt.com), the leading developer of open Real-Time Simulators and HIL testing systems for electrical, mechanical and fast-switching power electronic systems, today launched RT-LAB 10.1, the latest version of the core technology behind the company's flagship Real-Time Simulator products including eDRIVEsim, eMEGAsim, eFLYsim and the TestDrive ECU Tester.

RT-LAB is the open Real-Time Simulation software environment that has revolutionized the way Model-based Design is performed. An array of new features in RT-LAB 10.1 improves both its functionality and usability, including:

• A new Eclipse-based Graphical User Interface
• A new Project Explorer that enables the user to simultaneously work with multiple models within a single iteration of RT-LAB
• Integrated Help and Tutorials that get new RT-LAB users up and running quicker and easier
• Support for the popular Red Hat LINUX real-time operating system
• Intel Compiler for RedHat, which add 30% performance gain
• Support for the new INTEL i7 CPU, with two 6-core CPUs on the same motherboard
• Support for MATLAB 2009B

"Since the launch of RT-LAB over a decade ago, the use of real-time simulation has expanded, both in the lab and in the field. RT-LAB was the first Real-Time Simulation platform designed to take advantage of high-powered, commercially available computer hardware, enabling engineers to conduct high-fidelity simulation and test of even the most complex systems, with ease and at the lowest possible cost," said Jean Belanger, Opal-RT's CEO and Co-Founder. "Today, RT-LAB is the Real-Time Simulation environment of choice for hundreds of companies, research facilities and universities around the world who rely on Opal-RT simulators every day to conduct research, study, and test of electrical, power electronic and mechanical systems found in a wide array of products - from power steering to the power grid."

RT-LAB 10.1 is being launched simultaneously with, and provides support for, a number of new Opal-RT software and hardware products including:

OP5142 Reconfigurable FPGA-based I/O Controller, powered by the Xilinx SPARTAN-3 FPGA processor

RT-LAB FPGA Development System for the Xilinx Virtex®-5 ML506 FPGA Evaluation & Development Platform

RT-XSG 2.0 toolbox which enables engineers to generate custom, application specific models that can be implemented onto FPGA devices including the OP5142 Spartan 3 FPGA boards and the  ML506 Virtex 5 board

Ease of Use and Multi-Model Support

RT-LAB 10.1 has been redesigned to make it easier to use, even for the most inexperienced user.  A new Graphical User Interface, built from the ground up using Eclipse Integrated Development Environment, allows all RT-LAB tools, such as MATLAB/Simulink, the Python scripting language and RT-LAB target management tools to be accessed with a simple mouse click.

Project Explorer allows the user to work on multiple models within the context of a single project. An RT-LAB Project can contain multiple models that can be open and worked with simultaneously, within a single instance of RT-LAB

RT-LAB 10.1 also provides a new approach to getting users up and running quickly. Integrated Help and Tutorials allow users to learn more about specific RT-LAB features or can even execute those features automatically. Tutorials cover a range of basic RT-LAB functions, including how to create an RT-LAB Project, how to use Python scripts within RT-LAB and how to change simulation parameters.

Red Hat LINUX Support

RT-LAB 10.1 also now supports Red Hat LINUX with an optimized kernel as a real-time operating system (RTOS). By so doing, simulators powered by RT-LAB 10.1 can take advantage of the latest multi-core processors, with support for up to 12 CPU cores on a single motherboard, and the Dolphin 2.5 Gbit/s PCI-Express bidirectional inter-computer communication systems, used in high-performance computer clusters. As a result, maximum communication overhead and jitter can be maintained below 2 to 5 µs, even under the worst operating conditions. The use of the open source Red Hat LINUX RTOS on standard computers enables execution of multiple custom-built and commercially available software applications on the same computer system used for real-time simulation. This provides RT-LAB users with a clear advantage over simulators comprised of custom computers that can execute only one application at a time.

In addition, through the use of a new Intel/Red Hat Compiler and support for the i7 breed of multi-core processors from INTEL, both model compilation and execution performance can be improved by as much as 30% on Opal-RT Real-Time Simulators equipped with RT-LAB 10.1 and the Red Hat LINUX RTOS.

How to Upgrade Your Software

All Opal-RT Real Time Simulators, including eMEGAsim and eDRIVEsim, are now shipping with RT-LAB 10.1. Both ARTEMiS and RT-Events are available as eMEGAsim and eDRIVEsim options. Existing eMEGAsim and eDRIVEsim users with a valid RT-LAB software maintenance agreement can upgrade to the new versions of RT-LAB, ARTEMIS, and RT-Events for no charge by contacting Opal-RT Customer Support via the Opal-RT website (www.opal-rt.com/support/), via email ([email protected]), or by calling +1-514-935-2323.

About Opal-RT Technologies Inc.

Founded in 1997, Opal-RT is the leading developer of open Real-Time Digital Simulators and hardware-in-the-loop testing systems designed for use in the development and study of advanced electrical, mechanical and fast-switching power electronic systems. Opal-RT's unique approach integrates parallel, distributed computing with commercial-off-the-shelf technologies. Opal-RT's customers perform Rapid Control Prototyping, Real-Time Simulation, and Hardware-in-the-Loop testing of electric drives, electronic controllers and power systems used in manufacturing, electric train networks, and by electrical utilities. Companies using Opal-RT Simulators include ABB, BHEL, Denso, GE, Hitachi, Mitsubishi Electric, GM and Toyota.

For Additional Product Information & Related Technical Papers:

http://www.opal-rt.com/electrical-power-systems

RT-LAB, RT-Events, ARTEMIS, eDRIVEsim, eFLYsim, TestDrive and eMEGAsim are trademarks of Opal-RT Technologies Inc. Simulink, MATLAB, SimPowerSystems, Red Hat Linux, are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

SOURCE Opal-RT Technologies Inc.