Full integration of MATLAB/Simulink with control application development using OPC unified architecture

Integrating control development phases requires a consolidated communication architecture. Currently, different communication protocols are used at the different development stages preventing a fully integrated solution to exist. We propose an approach using a unified communication protocol to jointly integrate the control development stages. MATLAB and Simulink were connected to a programmable logic controller successfully resulting in a fully integrated control development chain and opening the doors for further development in other potential areas.