Rapid Control Prototyping (RCP) is a kind of simulation methodology that enables the rapid evaluation of control systems. The methodology aims at rapidly addressing trial and error activities to quickly identify and correct potential issues. In case it’s needed design iterations is possible by utilizing computer-assisted simulations.
RCP mainly focuses on control system development (in contrast to the plant itself); it could be considered as being complementary with other techniques such as (Hardware-in-the-Loop) HIL.
Using RCP for product development requires the implementation of a mockup (often downscaled) of the system under study. The control system hardware is often different from the final hardware, as the latter may not yet be available (or clearly defined) at the time of prototyping. In fact, generic control hardware with superior flexibility and performance is often preferred over the final hardware, which is often cost-optimized for a specific application and use. This use of generic control hardware during the early development phase may even be considered as a definition of RCP.