Overview
As the complexity of electronic control units (ECUs) increases, the number of combinations of tests required to ensure correct functionality and response increases exponentially. Older testing methodology tended to wait for the controller design to be completed and integrated into the final system before system issues could be identified.
Hardware-in-the-loop development and test methodology provides a way of simulating sensors, actuators and mechanical components in a way that connects all the I/O of the ECU being tested, long before the final system is integrated. It does this by using representative real-time responses, electrical simulation and functional use cases.
- HIL simulation is useful when testing control algorithm on the real physical system is costly or dangerous
- Has the flexibility to change the plant characteristics and validate for multiple scenarios