New in Mathworks Simulink 2014A, the Data Dictionary

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The new Simulink Data Dictionary is a key component to MBSD

For software engineers who use Simulink to do Model Based Software Development (MBSD), the ability to manage variables, also known as signals and parameters in Simulink, has always been a challenge. It has been possible but not without shortcomings, especially when dealing with large software systems.

For those not familiar with Simulink, Here is a brief outline of what the past issues have been.

An introduction to ISOBUS Sequence Control – ISO 11783 – Part 14

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Sequence Control as defined in ISO 11783 – part 14 provides the ability for a tractor to record and perform a sequence of actions within either the tractor or its attached implements. The value to the operator is that he can activate a sequence of steps via one button press or action step. Usually, the sequence of steps would occur at the headland of the field. Besides simplifying the actions required of the operator at the headland and allowing the operator to concentrate on positioning the tractor and implement for another pass through the field, sequence control eliminates forgotten steps that can happen near the end of a long day in the field.

Using Google Test to Unit Test C Code

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While the Google Test framework is designed for C++ it can be used to create a framework for C unit testing. Reference the Google Test documentation for more details on the capabilities of Google Test.

The Framework

These framework files are included in any C unit test project.
•A header file to define macros to interface from C++ to C – gtest_c.h
•A header file to provide C interfaces to the Google Test comparison functions – Gtest_helper.h.
•A helper file to interface Google Test comparison function to C – Gtest_helper.cc

Book Report: The Fred Factor by Mark Sanborn

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Photo: © Judex | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images

Has someone ever exceeded your expectations through their actions? How did that make you feel? Was it contagious?

Mark Sanborn’s book The Fred Factor showcases how Fred the postal carrier went above and beyond the expected in delivering mail. Delivering mail is simple and monotonous, the same day in and day out. However, the way Fred performed his tasks was anything but ordinary. According to Sanborn, if Fred can deliver mail and catch the attention, in a very positive manner, of those he serves, any person can perform their role in what they do for a living in a better way.

National Instruments Architect Summit: New Certification Guidlines

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As LabVIEW and TestStand developers creating customer applications, acquiring and maintaining our National Instruments certifications is important to both DISTek and our customers. Certification demonstrates up-to-date expertise with the software as new features are released and maintains our presence as product experts in the technical community. To keep certifications current, we must periodically take the next higher certification exam or recertify at our current level.

CLA Certification

NI Architect Summit: Object Oriented Programming in LabVIEW

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Last week I attended the NI Architect Summit, and I saw some patterns emerge while sitting in on the frameworks track. All of the framework content was related to challenges in LabVIEW Object Oriented Programming (LVOOP). LabVIEW is sold as a software tool for scientists and engineers, yet also provides features including LVOOP for advanced users. The takeaways below speak to the challenge of transitioning from a procedural single-threaded dataflow design to a parallel messaging architecture using LVOOP.

CONEXPO – CONAGG 2014

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What is it like to come to the CONEXPO show for the first time? Well, it would be easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer size of the show and the distractions of Las Vegas. It is manageable by taking some time to put together a plan and to build a set of priorities for what you want to see.

The Caterpillar Display at CONEXPO. Photo: Gary Honey

FIRST Robotics team 525 – Cedar Falls HS at the Central Illinois Regional Competition

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DISTek fully supports STEMS (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education and the development of the next generation of engineers. Many DISTek employees have volunteered to work with FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Lego League programs at the elementary school level, and robotics programs at the secondary school level.
The FIRST website describes the program:

What is the difference between ISOBUS VT Version 3 and Version 4?

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VIRTEC display.

The ISO 11783-6 standard was most recently released in 2010. As of this release, three common versions of the Virtual Terminal (VT) are specified. These versions are referenced in the standard as “Version 2”, “Version 3”, and “Version 4”. Based on recent ISOBUS Plugfest attendance, a survey of the industry shows a few Version 2 devices still in common use, a small number of Version 4 devices in use, and a large majority of devices using Version 3. The standard requires that an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and a VT communicating via the VT standard should use the standard according to the lowest VT version of the pair, e.g. a VT at Version 4 and an ECU at Version 3 should use Version 3 communications.

LabVIEW Issues When Upgrading From Windows XP To Windows 7

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In April 2014 Microsoft will stop supporting Windows XP. Microsoft has developed a Compatibility Toolkit (ACT) to see if your current computer will be able to support the transition to Windows 7.

LV Logo

Through experience and hard work, we’ve identified fixes to common issues moving LabVIEW to Windows 7. Some of the issues we have encountered during upgrades include getting administrative rights to the system and  accounting for the Windows 7 directory structure change where the files are located at “C:\Program Files (x86)\” instead of “C:\Program Files\” for non-native Windows 7 applications.

Additionally, issues may occur if your computer is part of a domain where certain Windows Services start up automatically on boot-up. If you run into a domain issue you may want to try the following:

Read more

Case Study: Vehicle Controls for an Electro-Hydraulic Construction Machine

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We were asked to assist in the development of the controls for a complex construction machine using Model Based Software Design (MBSD). This was the first project in which the OEM used MBSD and therefore it was a high-visibility project.

Heavy equipment in action.

We faced many challenges in this project. The control algorithm was very complex, and had already been developed by the OEM in Matlab – the accuracy of the implementation of the algorithm was critical. Verification of the algorithm was a key component of this project. Adding to the complexity, the input signals to the system were very noisy and required disturbance rejection. Any instabilities in the system had the potential to cause injuries or property damage, so it was key to tune the system properly. Requirements for the project were also being developed in parallel to implementation.

Welcome to the DISTek Blog

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Hello, I want to welcome you to the DISTek blog, a place for the talented engineering staff of DISTek Integration, Inc. to share knowledge with the world. To learn more about DISTek, who we are, and what we do, check out our website.

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On this blog, look for helpful software engineering tips, case studies, and interesting experiences from our embedded software, test system design, and model based software experts.

We will also be sharing pictures and info from shows we attend, and other fun stuff too.

I would suggest adding a bookmark, there is a lot to come!

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