SIL, HIL, or test bench? - Which Test Methods to Use?

Which test method should I use and when should I use it to achieve the greatest efficiency?

In the development of control units and the testing of complex overall systems, several test methods are now available – each has its justification, its individual strengths, but also its limitations.

Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) Tests

What are SIL tests?

Software-in-the-loop testing refers to the testing of individual functions or a complete electronic control unit (ECU) on a PC, without the ECU hardware being available and without special test or simulation hardware.
Software, the so-called simulation platform, is used for testing and simulation. It also runs on the PC.

What are the strengths of SIL tests?

Initial functional tests can be carried out on the PC very early in the development process.
Tests can be brought forward – keyword: shift left. Errors that are detected and rectified at an early stage save time and costs.
Virtual control units are used on the PC and are available earlier than the final control unit hardware. This means that the tests of individual control units, as well as integration tests, can be carried out at an early stage.
Communication in control unit networks, including virtual bus communication, can be tested directly on the PC.

What are the requirements for SIL tests?

SIL tests require a simulation platform and virtual control units are required.

What are the limits of SIL simulation?

SIL tests on the PC are performed with a zero time assumption. Therefore, systems with strict real-time requirements cannot be tested on the PC. This is where hardware-in-the-loop simulation comes into play.

With SIL-HIL co-simulation, the user benefits from the best of both worlds.

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The dSPACE offer for SIL tests

Simulation and integration platform with dSPACE VEOS
Generation of virtual ECUs using dSPACE SystemDesk
Simulation models
Consulting and engineering

Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Tests

What are HIL tests?

A hardware-in-the-loop test is the central method for validating embedded software in electronic control units (ECU). HIL enables the testing of real control units in a real-time simulated environment.

What are the strengths of HIL tests?

HIL is primarily used in late development and integration phases to validate control units and their overall network before series release.
As the control units to be validated are used as real hardware components in HIL tests, realistic hardware influences such as latencies, cable breaks, or short circuits can be taken into account.
The HIL simulators enable testing in hard real time, exactly as the situation will later be in the vehicle.

What are the requirements for HIL tests?

At least one control device must be available as hardware.
If not all control units are available, virtual control units can be integrated into a SIL system using co-simulation.

What are the limits of HIL simulation?

If interfaces are not accessible or the creation of a detailed simulation model is too complex, the use of mechatronic test benches is advisable.

The hardware-in-the-loop systems from dSPACE range from small systems for functional tests to large systems for integration tests.

The dSPACE offer for HIL

SCALEXIO Essential entry-level system
SCALEXIO Predefined system
SCALEXIO Customized system
Simulation models
Consulting and engineering

Tests with Mechatronic Test Benches

What are mechatronic test benches?

Mechatronic test benches are an extension for HIL simulators. They use real hardware components to provide the required input for the control unit.
Mechatronic test benches are used when the interfaces of an ECU are not accessible or the creation of a detailed simulation model is too complex, e.g., for steering and braking systems, when testing ESP or ABS sensors, or for occupant detection.

What are the strengths of mechatronic test benches?

In addition to electrical influences, mechanical influences are also taken into account. Extensions can also be used to simulate a realistic environment situation, for example, with a climate chamber.

What are the limits of mechatronic test benches?

Extreme situations and highly dynamic events can only be simulated within the mechanical limits and the available system dynamics.
Mechatronic test benches require more space and have longer setup times than HIL simulators. Depending on the setup, additional maintenance work may be necessary.