Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing is a test methodology that can be used throughout the development of real-time embedded controllers to reduce development time and improve the effectiveness of testing.

As the complexity of electronic control modules (ECMs) increases, the number of combinations of tests required to ensure correct functionality and response increases exponentially. Older testing methodologies 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 testing provides a way of simulating sensors, actuators and mechanical components in a way that connects all the I/O of the ECM being tested, long before the final system is integrated. It does this by using representative real-time responses, electrical stimuli and functional use cases.

The part of the simulation that represents the environment, sensors and associated hardware is called the plant model. With Genix, this is usually a Simulink® model within a target, that controls the I/O delivered to the device under test. Additional I/O can be added and configured through the Genix distributed systems range, or third party hardware and software.

Genix technology allows engineers to quickly scale the capability of their HIL environments in response to increasing or changing test requirements, by delivering broad test functionality including fault insertion, load simulation and custom distributed signalling. It also allows simple switching between one system under test to the next, with all signal conditioning defined in software. This allows test environments to be swiftly repurposed as requirements change.

Full compatibility with industry standard tools such as MATLAB Simulink® allows engineers to quickly adapt and use Genix technology as part of their HIL testing. This allows OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to broaden test capability and switch quickly between vehicle programs and test methodologies.

Genix offers high levels of interoperability with third-party systems, and can be integrated with vehicle dynamics software and test automation software. Compatibility is also available with existing add2 products such as Sens-X for current measurement and LVTGO-VBS for robustness testing.