Hardware and software considerations for implementing hardware-in-the loop traffic simulation

Digital computer simulation provides an important tool for the study of complex systems. When the complexity of the problem is too large to warrant an analytical solution, simulation is the only option to analyze system configurations or operational modes prior to their implementation in the field. Not all components in a complex system can be modelled in adequate detail in computer simulations: for example, only simple, generic models of traffic controllers are available. Real-time hardware-in-the-loop simulation allows real traffic controllers to interact with computer simulations to improve accuracy. This paper provides an overview of real-time simulation and then discusses hardware and software constraints to implementing a controller interface device (the NIATT CID II) for real-time hardware-in-the-loop simulation