A strategy to verify chassis controller software-dynamics, hardware, and automation

A real-time hardware-in-the-loop tool set is presented to test automotive chassis controllers. The use of high-speed computers, specialized hardware interfaces, and instrumentation, as well as simulation models and automation software, provide a realistic and repeatable laboratory environment to supplement in-vehicle testing. In this paper, the dynamics for a variety of chassis models are presented to support the verification of integrated controller hardware and software. To implement these mathematical descriptions the computer hardware, laboratory equipment, and simulation software are discussed. The automated testing features of the simulator permit the creation of script files and test suites for regression testing and reuse on similar programs. A number of issues such as simulator requirements, hardware interfaces, and the need for metrics are explored in order to facilitate the development and justification of a simulation capability.