The Configuration Tool for DDS enables setting up real-time simulation of Ethernet-based data-centric communication using the Data Distribution Service protocol on dSPACE platforms.
Seamless
DDS simulation on dSPACE systems leads to reduced integration effort
Comprehensive
QoS support ensures realistic testing for safety and performance requirements
Powerful
Modeling tool integration shortens the path to HIL tests
Automation
Powerful REST-API enables CI/CD workflows and saves manual testing time
What is the Configuration Tool for DDS
The dSPACE Configuration Tool for DDS is a product for configuring DDS communication on dSPACE simulation systems, such as SCALEXIO for hardware-in-the-loop simulation and rapid control prototyping. It allows users to connect real ECUs to dSPACE simulation systems that can act as subscribers or publishers in a restbus simulation.
How does Data Distribution Service work?
The Data Distribution Service (DDS) is a middleware protocol for scalable and reliable data exchange. It uses a data-centric model in which applications publish or subscribe to shared topics. DDS dynamically discovers and distributes these topics between participants based on topic names and Quality of Service (QoS) settings. These QoS settings enable control over data transmission, e.g., in terms of reliability or latency. DDS is widely used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, industrial automation, and many more to support modular, low-latency communication.
Applications
- Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation to Test DDS Networks
Test real ECUs in a DDS-based vehicle architecture without the need for all hardware components. Simulate realistic DDS communication, including QoS variations, to detect issues early and reduce integration risks. - Rapid Control Prototyping with DDS
Develop and validate new control functions in MATLAB/Simulink that communicate via DDS—without real ECU hardware. Accelerate prototyping and shorten time-to-market. - ROS 2 Integration Testing on HIL
Ensure robust ROS 2 node communication using DDS middleware in a real-time HIL environment. Validate safety, QoS, and real-time performance for ADAS and autonomous driving systems. - Virtual Commissioning for Industrial Automation
Simulate DDS-based communication for production lines or robotic cells before physical deployment. Minimize downtime, reduce commissioning costs, and accelerate system integration. - Aerospace Mission & Payload Validation
Secure mission-critical data flows such as telemetry and command/control against a realistic DDS network on HIL. Automate tests and apply QoS variations to reduce integration risks and flight test costs.
Key Benefits of the Configuration Tool for DDS
No matter how complex your simulation tasks, easily start your DDS simulation with the Configuration Tool for DDS. It has several unique features for a comprehensive DDS simulation. This makes the Configuration Tool for DDS an important part of your tool chain for developing and testing embedded controller software.
Seamless DDS Simulation on dSPACE Platforms
The Configuration Tool for DDS enables native DDS simulation on dSPACE platforms. This enables testing and validating of DDS-based architectures in a realistic, real-time environment to detect communication and QoS-related issues early in the development process to reduce integration risks and shorten development cycles.
Comprehensive QoS Support
The Configuration Tool for DDS supports a wide range of QoS settings, enabling you to simulate and validate communication scenarios under realistic conditions. This includes parameters such as durability, deadline, and reliability, which are critical for ensuring deterministic behaviour in safety-critical applications like autonomous driving and aerospace systems.
Powerful Modeling Tool Integration
The Configuration Tool for DDS integrates seamlessly with modeling tools such as MATLAB® Simulink®, allowing engineers to connect behaviour models to DDS publishers and subscribers. This enables engineers to rapidly prototype new control functions, validate them in a DDS-based environment, and ensure consistency across development stages.
Build for Automation
The tool provides a powerful REST API that allows complete automation of configuration and simulation workflows. Automated test execution eliminates manual configuration steps, reduces human error, and ensures reproducible results. This significantly accelerates validation processes, improves test coverage, and supports agile development practices.
More Benefits of the Configuration Tool for DDS
- Use SCALEXIO, MicroAutoBox III, or MicroLabBox II platforms as a Publisher or Subscriber node in an Ethernet DDS communication network
- Easily configure DDS entities and QoS policies to rename, add or remove domains, domain participants, or topics for your simulation
- Best in class Simulink integration with intuitive interface for static, synthetic and dynamic DDS restbus simulations
- Import and parsing of IDL & RTI XML files
- Native support of the Cyclone DDS Stack
- Automation via REST API
- DDS simulation of complex data types such as sequences, arrays, structs, unions, enums or strings
- Easy integration and communication with ROS2 environments
Workflow when Using the Configuration Tool for DDS
To get started, you need to import DDS files into the Configuration Tool for DDS. Once imported, you can either extend the existing domains with new domain participants and topics or simply use the pre-defined system configuration. Next, create a bus implementation container (BIC) file. This file contains the Simulink Interface and bus access requests for physical hardware access. Import the BIC file into ConfigurationDesk, assign the bus access requests to the corresponding channels on your dSPACE platform, and configure the MATLAB® Simulink® interface. Now export your application from ConfigurationDesk and get started testing using the ControlDesk Bus Navigator to experiment with your DDS simulation setup.
Overview Automotive Ethernet DDS
This poster gives an introduction into Automotive Ethernet DDS which is the foundation for service-oriented communication in modern E/E architectures. (download below)
PDF, 84.0 KB
Required Products
Optional Products
Support for Configuration Tool for DDS Users
Links to download and technical information. Access may require registration.
