Low cost hardware-in-loop for automotive application

Hardware-in-loop (HiL) simulation focuses on testing of Electronic Control Units (ECU) in virtual real time environment in order to scrutinize the behavior of controller under test. Use of HiL simulation in development process reduces time and cost involved in verification and validation of the ECU's development. Generally, HiL systems developed using dSPACE®, National Instruments® and other platforms used in automotive industry are very costly and sophisticated. For less complex systems a low cost HiL testing approach using an existing target hardware can be opted. It may or may not be possible to use existing hardware, as there might be limitations in the availability of pin count, on-chip peripherals etc. This paper discusses a case study of Electronic Speed Limiter (ESL) where a low-cost HiL testing technique is being implemented for verification and validation of ESL. The ESL HiL system developed using existing target hardware can simulate different vehicle dynamics, driver behaviors, various road profiles and frictional coefficients in approximation to that of real time environment. The development process of a low cost HIL and research outcomes of ESL testing using the developed ESL HiL are discussed in detail. Developed simulation model increased scope of testing control logic of ESL. The results of HIL testing are found likely to “in-vehicle” testing and at same time controller under test is tested safely with low cost approach.