Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing in Racing Applications

Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation has established itself as a standard method of testing electronics components in the automotive industry. HIL simulators are now being used both by automotive suppliers and by automobile manufacturers. In racing particularly, the high cost of the vehicles and test benches means that frequent virtual test drives and tests are run on a simulator. The objectives are to ensure the greatest possible hardware and software quality before going over to the test vehicle or test bench, to cut costs, and to minimize the danger to test drivers. Virtually all major formula 1 teams and some rally teams (WRC) use dSPACE simulators as HIL electronics test systems, for example, for the widely used electronics platform from Magneti Marelli and also for their in-house developments. The major focus is on ECU testing but aspects of ECU calibration will also be discussed. The paper describes this technology and presents solutions prepared for racing teams worldwide.