Simulate load cell control loop

[mrrcx]

Hello,

Is there any way to simulate a load cell in a control loop?

Ultimately, there will be a real load cell but for preliminary testing I would like to simulate one.

This simulation functionality is more advanced than I am

any help would be appreciated

Thank you

-mrrcx

[RavensFan]

Replace your DAQmx read that reads the load cell with a subVI that puts out values.  They could be random values, or they could be something that is based on some other data you put in.  (Like take a position measurement and multiply by a value to simulate a load that varies with a position.)

Later when you get the real load cell, delete the simulation subVI and replace it with the DAQmx Read.  You can use the Diagram Disable structure as a means to hold on to your real code in a disabled case while you are debugging with the simulation subVI.

[moderator1983]

Apart from generating 'Random' numeric values, there are two other approaches to simulate an actual Load Cell.

1 -> Either you can come up with its MATHEMATICAL MODEL and incorporate it in you program, this might require using 'Simulation' module OR

2 -> You can record the Load Cell output (may be voltage) versus time data in a file and read it to replay.