Scalable and Reusable Hardware In the Loop simulation platform design for different levels of validation, variants and vehicle program

Hardware In the Loop simulation (HILS) is an efficient and cost effective solution to validate the automotive Electronic Control Units (ECUs) much early in the embedded product development life cycle thus ensuring an early time to market. Even though the capability and productivity of the HILS systems are known, it still remains expensive and consumes significant development effort, time and space. Maintaining different HILS systems for each ECU, each system and vehicle program calls for a huge investment, spatial constraints, development effort and time. Reusability of the HILS system still remains a roadblock due to the inherent flaws followed in the design methodology. This paper discusses how different ECUs can be validated using the same HILS system. The concept of automated switching unit and generic simulator design required for achieving this is explained in the paper. Fully reusable, scalable and modular HILS systems are discussed in the paper with the help of proven examples from the market. Paper also proposes the HILS simulator design, plant model architecture and guidelines to be followed to use a single HILS system for component HILS, system level HILS and vehicle level HILS validation activities. Merits of each approach is also explained here.