Hardware-in-the-Loop: The Technology for Testing Electronic Controls in Automotive Engineering

Hardware-in-the-loop simulation (HIL) has become an integral component in the electronic development process for testing control functions in the automotive industry. HIL simulation involves operating mechatronic systems, particularly electronic control units (ECUs), in a closed loop with components that are simulated in real time to test them intensively in this virtual environment. This paper provides an introduction to the subject of HIL simulation. First the essential hardware and software components will be presented, including the dynamic models. Then the most important HIL applications will be described, such as the engine, vehicle dynamics, and electric drives. The paper will also take a look at network simulators (testing ECU networks) and some special solutions.