OPC (OLE for Process Control) based Calibration System for Embedded Controller

During embedded software development of complex control system, the calibration is an important approach to obtain optimal parameters of embedded software. Currently, typical calibration systems are with poor adaptability for various controllers which have different communication interfaces and calibration protocols. In order to solve the problem, an improved architecture for embedded controller calibration system is proposed to support more communication buses and protocols. In this architecture, by introducing OPC (OLE for Process Control) technology, the host software of calibration system is separated into OPC server and client. The OPC server masks the difference of various calibration protocols and detail of communication devices, and provides a unified access interface for controller parameters. The OPC client calibrates and acquires the parameters though calling the interface provided by the OPC server. By the method, when communication device or calibration protocol is varied, only the corresponding OPC server is required to be replaced. Then the details of communication devices and calibration protocols are no longer considered while developing a calibration system, and the generality and openness of the calibration system are enhanced greatly. The calibration system corresponding to the architecture was applied to an engine controller to verify the effectiveness of the method presented.