Virtual Prototyping is a tool widely used for solving control problems quickly and efficiently. In the virtual prototyping process, two main types of connections can be identified: signal coupling, in which the connections between the simulation and the hardware exchange only signals, and natural coupling, in which they exchange both signals and power. Currently, the fundamental problem with virtual prototyping is that it is usually limited to signal coupling. Also, its implementation is hardware-dependent, which limits its flexibility with regard to the hardware under test.

By proposing a general framework for virtual prototyping, this dissertation extends the capabilities of the present virtual prototyping process to natural coupling levels, and improves the methodology of signal coupling virtual prototyping. Virtual prototyping with natural coupling connections can be achieved by using a novel methodology called Power-Hardware-In-the-Loop (PHIL) simulation. Moreover, virtual prototyping with signal coupling can be facilitated by using a new methodology called Processor-In-the-Loop (PIL) simulation as a complementary step to the existing Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) simulation.

The main challenge during the PHIL simulation is exchanging power between the simulator and the hardware under test. A high bandwidth simulation/hardware interface is implemented to seamlessly link the virtual and real worlds. Several experiments are performed, and the results verify the validity of the PIL and PHIL simulation platforms.