Real-time Simulation refers to a computer model of a physical system that can execute at the same rate as actual "wall clock" time. In other words, the computer model runs at the same rate as the actual physical system. For example if a tank takes 10 minutes to fill in the real-world, the simulation would take 10 minutes as well.
Real-time simulation occurs commonly in computer gaming, but also is important in the industrial market for operator training and off-line controller tuning[1]. Computer languages like VisSim and Simulink allow quick creation of such real-time simulations and have connections to industrial displays and Programmable Logic Controllers via OLE for process control or digital and analog I/O cards.
Real-time simulators are used extensively in many engineering fields. As a consequence, the inclusion of simulation applications in academic curricula can provide great value to the student. Statistical power grid protection tests, aircraft design and simulation, motor drive controller design methods and space robot integration are a few examples of real-time simulator technology applications. [2]