Developing and testing control unit software using virtual models

In the development process of new components, new systems or new machines, the integration of different disciplines, such as hydraulics, mechanics or electronics, is becoming increasingly important in the development process. The sometimes complex multiphysics interactions between systems require the increased use of simulation tools. The use of system simulations supports the design process, e. g. by detecting and eliminating weak points at an early stage. They increase the employees’ system knowledge, for example through variation studies with different friction pairs, through examinations of the influence that different cable lengths may have or easily replaceable system components (e. g. couplings). System simulations can thus contribute greatly to the optimization of the development process. 

The requirements and development efforts in the areas of software development and the development of new control strategies are also constantly growing. This increases the share of software development in the overall development process. Existing system models coming from the design engineers can also support the software development process. The model-based test can be performed at various points in the V model of the development process.

The spectrum of analyses ranges from functionality tests of the control software with a model to hardware tests of the controllers. The following pages explain the terms MiL (Model in the Loop), SiL (Software in the Loop) and HiL (Hardware in the Loop) and showcase related application scenarios for SimulationX. Two concrete application examples illustrate how different objectives can be achieved.