China’s Weichai Power Uses Simulink to Develop Control Unit Software for Common-rail Diesel Engines

Adoption of Model-Based Design results in reduced development and testing times as well as increased design reuse

Beijing, China - (18 Nov 2014)

MathWorks today announced that China’s Weichai Power has successfully completed development of its engine control unit (ECU) software for common-rail diesel engines using Model-Based Design with Simulink and Embedded Coder. Use of Model-Based Design allowed the heavy-duty engine manufacturer to accelerate the ramp-up of its embedded control team and realize in-house development of ECU software with a 40% reduction in development time compared to the plan and 60% design reuse for the second program.

Weichai Power, a global leader in the research and development, manufacture, and sale of diesel engines, was recognized by China’s highest honor in the field of quality with the China Quality Award in early 2014.

“Model-Based Design – with its graphical design and automatic code generation – reduces the difficulty of software development and improves software maintainability and reuse,” said Daming Li, who is responsible for electronic controls at Weichai Power. “Model-Based Design enabled us to build a development team consisting of engine and control specialists within the shortest possible time and to dramatically reduce development costs.”

Using MATLAB and Simulink, Weichai Power engineers developed engine control algorithm models, performed extensive model-based verification and validation, and generated production code for the common-rail ECU. They also worked with MathWorks Consulting to establish an on-target rapid prototyping capability to enable Weichai group companies and customers to collaborate. More specifics on Weichai Power’s adoption of Model-Based Design can be found here.

“MathWorks is pleased to support Weichai Power to establish its in-house development team through the use of Simulink,” said Paul Smith, Director of Global Consulting Service of MathWorks. “The tangible benefits realized to date by Weichai Power engineers is a testament to the effectiveness of Model-Based Design.”

About MathWorks

MathWorks is the leading developer of mathematical computing software. MATLAB, the language of technical computing, is a programming environment for algorithm development, data analysis, visualization, and numeric computation. Simulink is a graphical environment for simulation and Model-Based Design for multidomain dynamic and embedded systems. Engineers and scientists worldwide rely on these product families to accelerate the pace of discovery, innovation, and development in automotive, aerospace, electronics, financial services, biotech-pharmaceutical, and other industries. MATLAB and Simulink are also fundamental teaching and research tools in the world's universities and learning institutions. Founded in 1984, MathWorks employs more than 3000 people in 15 countries, with headquarters in Natick, Massachusetts, USA. For additional information, visit mathworks.com.

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