SIL-HIL Co-Simulation: Faster and More Efficient Testing and Development

Paderborn, June 17,  2026. dSPACE presents the new SIL-HIL co-simulation, a solution that for the first time enables a seamless connection between software-in-the-loop (SIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test environments. This creates a consistent, flexible, and shift-left-oriented test process and significantly increases efficiency in development.

Customers benefit from co-simulation by being able to carry out tests as soon as individual components are available, whether they are hardware or virtual ECUs (V-ECU). There is no need to wait for the final hardware. This shortens development cycles and speeds up iterations. Co-simulation allows a step-by-step, low-risk integration from SIL to HIL and ensures consistent artifacts, tests, and simulation models across the SIL and HIL worlds. 

Co-simulation combines VEOS, the dSPACE PC-based simulation platform for software-in-the-loop simulations and SCALEXIO, the modular and scalable real-time platform for hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and rapid control prototyping (RCP) applications. Communication between VEOS and SCALEXIO is performed via the hybrid simulation integration layer (HSIL), an integration layer for coupling SIL and HIL simulations. The HSIL communication interface also enables third-party systems to be connected.  

The first successful and typical applications of co-simulation are tests of ADAS control units, where high-performance computers are integrated in HIL and environment simulations, while other control units are integrated as SIL. Another example are tests of infotainment systems during development, where, for example, the infotainment device itself is tested using HIL and the rest of the system is tested using SIL. 

"With SIL-HIL co-simulation, dSPACE is setting new standards for the flexibility of tests in the automotive sector and supporting OEMs and suppliers in making development processes more efficient," says Barbara Kempkes, Business Field Manager SIL Testing.