Hardware in the Loop Simulation for automotive control systems.

ECUs are at the heart of many products and Pickering is aiming for designing most suitable test hardware, running in real time for these kind of applications. During development, HILS is typically employed to test the operation of the ECU in a simulated real-world environment in which the ECU will operate.

Instrumentation is used to simulate an ECU’s sensor inputs and capture and verify the ECU control outputs. Safety-critical controllers will usually require certification, where faults including short and open circuits are introduced, and the ECU’s response is analyzed to check that it is performing in a predictable and, above all, safe manner. Automated fault insertion systems allow verification tests to be run efficiently in a controlled and repeatable way.

The automotive environment can often be very hostile, especially for sensors, with wide ranges of temperature commonly experienced. Failures can occur due to corrosion, aging, damage or even faulty installation.

Because of all the features and options available in vehicles, especially as more electronic systems are being introduced for ADAS systems – ultimately autonomous driving – infotainment, in-car AI and security, the ECUs are becoming very complex, so the accuracy of HILS is essential for a successful launch. With EVs comes a new challenge. In a conventional vehicle, the battery is quite simple. In an EV, the battery dominates, so the ECU that manages the battery must be highly accurate, efficient and guaranteed reliable to ensure safe operation.