Controller software flashing method and device for HIL rack

Abstract

The invention discloses a controller software flashing method and device for an HIL rack, and an automatic controller software flashing system for different electrical architectures is designed on an upper computer. The system mainly comprises a communication display module, a controller selection module, a program selection module, a local file import module, a program instruction issuing module and a flash progress display module. According to the system, software programs, corresponding to different versions, of all controllers used for testing are integrated together, selection of the controllers and the software programs under different architectures and issuing of flashing instructions can be achieved, and developed remote flashing software T-BOX upper computer software is used for sending wireless signals to a T-BOX controller; according to the method, remote rapid flashing of various controller software programs is achieved, inconvenience of manual flashing of the programs is reduced, the working efficiency of HIL test developers is improved, and follow-up whole vehicle testing is more convenient to carry out.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of hardware-in-the-loop testing, and particularly to a method and device for flashing controller software for a HIL bench. Background Art

[0002] Vehicle Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing is an essential part of the core technology development process. It is of great significance for improving vehicle safety, reducing testing costs, improving testing efficiency, and product quality. The prerequisite for conducting vehicle HIL testing is the flashing of the controller software program.

[0003] To meet different testing requirements, various electrical architectures have been developed within each automobile company. Different electrical architectures correspond to different controller programs. Flashing the controller program is a necessary preparatory process for HIL testing. When faced with different testing tasks, it is necessary to adaptively flash the controller program according to the tested architecture, which is crucial for verifying the performance and reliability of the controller. By flashing the latest software program version, testers can ensure that the controller can work properly under various working conditions. During the HIL testing process, first, it is necessary to switch the electrical architecture of the HIL bench according to the testing task. After the architecture switch is completed, it is also necessary to manually flash the software programs of multiple controllers under different architectures using a program flashing tool. However, the flashing process is cumbersome and time-consuming, bringing a lot of inconvenience to HIL testers. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a method and device for flashing controller software for a HIL bench to solve the above problems.

[0005] This application designs an automatic controller software flashing system for different electrical architectures on the host computer. The system mainly includes five parts: a communication display module, a controller selection module, a program selection module, a local file import module, a program instruction issuing module, and a flashing progress display module. The system integrates all the controllers used in the test with different versions of software programs, and can realize the selection of controllers and software programs under different architectures and the issuance of flashing instructions. It uses the developed remote flashing software T-BOX host computer software to send wireless signals to the T-BOX controller to achieve remote and rapid flashing of multiple controller software programs, reducing the inconvenience of manual program flashing, improving the work efficiency of HIL test developers, and facilitating the subsequent vehicle testing. The following is a specific description of the specific content.

[0006] On the one hand, the present application provides a method for flashing the controller software of a HIL bench. The method includes the following steps: According to the test requirements, send an architecture switching instruction to the HIL bench through the host computer, and use the architecture switching device to complete the electrical architecture switching; Connect multiple controllers corresponding to the target architecture on the HIL bench; Through the controller software automatic flashing system of the host computer, select all the controllers and their corresponding software program versions under the architecture; Import the program files stored locally into the controller software automatic flashing system; Send the flashing instruction to the T-BOX host computer software through the system, and establish a wireless communication connection with the T-BOX controller; Use the CAN communication between the T-BOX controller and other controllers to remotely flash the software programs of the multiple controllers; Real-time monitor the flashing progress through the flashing progress display module, and prompt the success status after the flashing is completed.

[0007] In an implementation manner of the present application, the controller software automatic flashing system includes the following modules: a communication display module, used to detect the connection status with the T-BOX host computer software; a controller selection module, supporting the selection of controllers under different architectures; a program selection module, used to select multiple versions of programs for the same controller; a local file import module, used to import external program files; a program instruction sending module, used to send a flashing instruction to the T-BOX host computer software; a flashing progress display module, used to display the flashing progress and result in real time.

[0008] In an implementation manner of the present application, the communication display module establishes a communication connection with the T-BOX host computer software through the API interface, and allows the import of program files and the sending of instructions after the connection is successful.

[0009] In an implementation manner of the present application, the T-BOX host computer software interacts with the T-BOX controller through a wireless signal, and converts the flashing instruction into a CAN bus signal to achieve remote synchronous flashing of multiple controllers.

[0010] In an implementation manner of the present application, the controller selection module supports batch selection of multiple controllers under the same architecture, and matches the corresponding version programs through the program selection module.

[0011] In an implementation manner of the present application, the architecture switching device is an automation module built into the HIL bench, which can switch the physical connection and communication protocol configuration of the electrical architecture according to the host computer instruction.

[0012] In an implementation manner of the present application, the T-BOX host computer software integrates the OTA remote flashing function, and supports program update for at least one of the controllers such as PCU, ECU, TCU, and BCM; the wireless communication connection includes at least one of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular network, and the flashing instruction is transmitted through an encryption protocol to ensure security.

[0013] In an implementation manner of the present application, the flashing progress display module displays the flashing status of each controller in the form of a visual progress bar, and triggers an alarm prompt in case of an abnormality.

[0014] In an implementation manner of the present application, the method further includes automatically generating a log file after the flashing is completed, recording the flashing time, program version, and controller status information for subsequent test verification.

[0015] The present application also provides a controller software flashing device for a HIL bench, which applies the foregoing controller software flashing method for a HIL bench. The device includes: a host computer, a HIL bench, a plurality of vehicle controllers, and a plurality of actuators; wherein, the host computer includes a controller software automatic flashing system and a T-BOX host computer software, and the HIL bench includes a power supply module, a communication board, a communication bus, and an architecture switching device.

[0016] A controller software flashing method and device for a HIL bench provided by the present application have the following

[0017] Beneficial effects:

[0018] (1). An automatic controller software flashing system for the host computer is designed in the HIL test system, which can realize the remote and rapid flashing of the controller software program after the architecture is switched; the automatic controller software flashing system is located in the host computer. After the system is powered on, the electrical architecture and controller connection can be set according to the test requirements, and the software program flashing instruction can be directly issued by the host computer.

[0019] (2). The automatic controller software flashing system uses the T-BOX controller for remote flashing. Remote flashing is more flexible and convenient than the program flashing tool during program flashing, and at the same time, it can avoid the problem of program flashing failure caused by unstable wiring of the flashing tool.

[0020] (3). The automatic controller software flashing system is provided with a controller selection module, and the controller selection module can meet the requirements for controller selection of the existing architectures and future new architectures.

[0021] (4) The controller software automatic flashing system can simultaneously select multiple controllers under the same architecture. After the system issues a program flashing instruction, it can flash the programs of multiple controllers in sequence, shortening the flashing time and improving the flashing efficiency.

[0022] (5) The controller software automatic flashing system is provided with a program selection module, which can select multiple version programs corresponding to the controller and new versions of programs to be developed in the future in the system, meeting the program selection requirements of the controller. Description of the Drawings

[0023] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present application and constitute a part of the present application. The illustrative embodiments of the present application and their descriptions are used to explain the present application and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present application. In the drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 It is a flowchart of a method for flashing the controller software for a HIL bench provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 2 It is a structural diagram of the controller software automatic flashing system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 3 It is a flowchart of the automatic flashing of the controller software provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 4 It is a composition diagram of a device for flashing the controller software for a HIL bench provided by an embodiment of the present application. Detailed Embodiments

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present application clearer, the technical solutions of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments of the present application and the corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0029] The embodiments of the present application provide a method and device for flashing the controller software of an HIL test bench. An automatic controller software flashing system for different electrical architectures is designed on the host computer. The system mainly includes five parts: a communication display module, a controller selection module, a program selection module, a local file import module, a program instruction sending module, and a flashing progress display module. The system integrates all the controllers used in the test with different versions of software programs, enabling the selection of controllers and software programs under different architectures and the sending of flashing instructions. The developed remote flashing software, the T-BOX host computer software, is used to send wireless signals to the T-BOX controller to achieve remote and rapid flashing of the software programs of multiple controllers, reducing the inconvenience of manual program flashing, improving the work efficiency of HIL test developers, and facilitating the subsequent vehicle testing. The technical solutions proposed in the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Figure 1 It is a flowchart of a method for flashing the controller software of an HIL test bench provided by the embodiments of the present application. As Figure 1 shown, the method mainly includes the following steps:

[0031] Step 101: According to the test requirements, send an architecture switching instruction to the HIL test bench through the host computer, and use the architecture switching device to complete the electrical architecture switching;

[0032] Step 102: Connect multiple controllers corresponding to the target architecture on the HIL test bench;

[0033] Step 103: Through the automatic controller software flashing system of the host computer, select all the controllers and their corresponding software program versions under the architecture;

[0034] Step 104: Import the program files stored locally into the automatic controller software flashing system;

[0035] Step 105: Send the flashing instruction to the T-BOX host computer software through the system to establish a wireless communication connection with the T-BOX controller;

[0036] Step 106: Use the CAN communication between the T-BOX controller and other controllers to remotely flash the software programs of the multiple controllers;

[0037] Step 107: Real-time monitor the flashing progress through the flashing progress display module and prompt the success status after the flashing is completed.

[0038] In the embodiments of the present application, the automatic controller software flashing system is used to automatically flash the controller software programs under different architectures after the architecture switching. The structure of the automatic controller software flashing system is as Figure 2As shown in the figure. The system consists of six parts: a communication display module, a controller selection module, a program selection module, a local file import module, a program instruction issuing module, and a flashing progress display module. Each module can implement different functions respectively.

[0039] In the embodiment of the present application, an upper computer controller software automatic flashing system is designed in the HIL test system. The controller software automatic flashing system in the HIL test system can realize the remote and rapid flashing of the controller software program after the architecture is switched. The controller software automatic flashing system is located in the upper computer. After the system is powered on, the electrical architecture and controller connection can be set according to the test requirements, and the software program flashing instruction is directly issued by the upper computer.

[0040] In the embodiment of the present application, the structure of the controller software automatic flashing system is as Figure 2 shown. The controller software automatic flashing system uses the T-BOX controller for remote flashing. Compared with the program flashing tool, the remote flashing is more flexible and convenient during program flashing, and at the same time, it can avoid the problem of program flashing failure caused by unstable wiring of the flashing tool.

[0041] Specifically, the communication display module mainly displays the communication connection status between the controller software automatic flashing system and the T-BOX upper computer software. The controller software automatic flashing system and the T-BOX upper computer software establish a communication connection through the API (Application Programming Interface) interface. Only when the connection status shows a successful connection can different controller software programs be imported and the program flashing instruction be issued. The communication connection display module can detect whether the communication connection is normal, which is convenient for normal program flashing.

[0042] The controller selection module is mainly used to select controllers for different architectures. Multiple controllers need to be connected for the same architecture, and the controllers need to be changed under different architectures. The controller selection module can meet the requirements for controller selection of the existing architectures and future new architectures.

[0043] The program selection module is mainly used to select different versions of programs under the same controller. Multiple programs are developed for the controller under different test requirements, and a specified version of the program needs to be flashed for a controller for different test tasks.

[0044] The local file import module is to import the developed program file into the controller software automatic flashing system.

[0045] The program instruction issuing module is to issue the flashing instruction to the T-BOX upper computer software after the controller and the software test program are selected; the flashing progress display module mainly displays the program flashing progress bar and the flashing success prompt description.

[0046] In the embodiment of the present application, the controller software automatic flashing system can simultaneously select multiple controllers under the same architecture. After the system issues a program flashing instruction, it can sequentially flash the programs of multiple controllers, shortening the flashing time and improving the flashing efficiency.

[0047] The T-BOX host computer software is a web application software developed for remote flashing of the entire vehicle OTA (Over-The-Air Technology). In combination with the T-BOX controller, it can realize the program flashing of a single controller in the vehicle HIL, as well as functions such as vehicle information monitoring, data collection, loan cancellation and vehicle locking, and fault diagnosis.

[0048] Based on the original program flashing function of the T-BOX host computer software in the embodiment of the present application, a method capable of remotely and quickly flashing the software programs of multiple controllers under the same architecture is proposed. The T-BOX host computer software is used as the signal interaction hub between the controller software automatic flashing system proposed in the embodiment of the present application and the T-BOX controller to ensure the smooth progress of the flashing function.

[0049] The HIL bench is the middle end of signal interaction between the host computer and the vehicle controller and the actuator, providing a simulation test platform for vehicle HIL testing. Currently, the HIL bench is mainly equipped with a power supply module, communication boards, communication buses, architecture switching devices, etc. Among them, the power supply module mainly supplies power to the vehicle controller, the communication boards provide I / O interfaces for the vehicle controller and the vehicle model, the communication buses can realize communication between the host computer, the vehicle controller, and different controllers, and the architecture switching device can automatically switch the electrical architecture according to the test requirements.

[0050] The controller part is the real vehicle-mounted controller to be tested, which is composed of multiple real controllers. Commonly used controllers in vehicle HIL testing include PCU, ECU, TCU, T-BOX, BCM, IC, CGM, EBS, etc. In HIL testing, the controller can not only simulate the acquisition and sending of signals, but also realize functions such as communication simulation, fault simulation, and automated testing, so as to ensure that the real vehicle controller meets various performance conditions.

[0051] By simulating the physical components in the actual vehicle, the actuator enables the HIL test to simulate the real controlled object as realistically as possible. It can provide feedback signals to the controller and simulate some extreme working conditions that cannot be tested in the real environment, thereby improving the efficiency, safety, and comprehensiveness of vehicle controller testing.

[0052] In the embodiment of the present application, Figure 3The complete process of the rapid software flashing method for the vehicle HIL bench controller is given. First, according to the test requirements, the architecture switching instruction is sent through the host computer, and the architecture is switched by using the architecture switching device on the HIL bench, and the controllers used under this architecture are connected on the HIL bench; select the software program versions corresponding to all controllers under this architecture in the host computer controller software automatic flashing system; import the local program file into the controller software automatic flashing system; send the program flashing instruction signal to the T-BOX host computer software through the established software communication interface API interface; establish a wireless communication connection between the T-BOX host computer software and the T-BOX controller; use the CAN communication between the T-BOX controller and other controllers to achieve remote rapid flashing of the software program.

[0053] It should be noted that in the embodiment of the present application, the controller software automatic flashing system can also be directly set in the T-BOX host computer software. In addition, in the embodiment of the present application, the T-BOX controller is used to receive the program flashing signal sent by the software automatic flashing system, and the existing T-BOX host computer software needs to be used as the signal interaction hub. A Bluetooth communication interface can also be designed in the automatic flashing system, and the program flashing signal sent by the system is received through the external Bluetooth module, and the Bluetooth signal is converted into a CAN signal that the controller can recognize.

[0054] The above is a method for flashing the controller software for the HIL bench provided by the embodiment of the present application. Based on the same inventive concept, the embodiment of the present application also provides a device for flashing the controller software for the HIL bench. Figure 4 The composition diagram of a device for flashing the controller software for the HIL bench provided by the embodiment of the present application is as follows Figure 4 As shown, the device mainly includes: a host computer, a HIL bench, several vehicle controllers and several actuators; among them, the host computer includes a controller software automatic flashing system and a T-BOX host computer software, and the HIL bench includes a power module, a communication board card, a communication bus and an architecture switching device. Among them, signal interaction can be carried out between the controller software automatic flashing system and the T-BOX host computer software, signal interaction can also be carried out between the host computer and the HIL bench, and signal interaction can also be carried out between the HIL bench and the vehicle controller and the actuator.

[0055] Each embodiment in the present application is described in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts among the embodiments can be referred to each other, and the differences between each embodiment and other embodiments are emphasized. In particular, for the device embodiment, since it is basically similar to the method embodiment, the description is relatively simple, and the relevant parts can refer to the partial description of the method embodiment.

[0056] It should also be noted that the term "comprising", "including" or any other variant thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, commodity or device comprising a series of elements not only includes those elements but also includes other elements not expressly listed, or further includes elements inherent to such process, method, commodity or device. Without further limitation, an element defined by the statement "comprising an..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, commodity or device comprising said element.

[0057] The above are only examples of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, various changes and modifications can be made to the present application. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall be included within the scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A method for flashing the controller software of a HIL test bench, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: According to the test requirements, send an architecture switching instruction to the HIL bench through the host computer, and use the architecture switching device to complete the electrical architecture switching; Connect multiple controllers corresponding to the target architecture on the HIL bench; Automatically flash the system through the controller software of the host computer, and select all the controllers under the architecture and their corresponding software program versions; Import the program files stored locally into the controller software automatic flashing system; Send the flashing instruction to the T-BOX host computer software through the system, and establish a wireless communication connection with the T-BOX controller; Use the CAN communication between the T-BOX controller and other controllers to remotely flash the software programs of the multiple controllers; Monitor the flashing progress in real time through the flashing progress display module, and prompt the success status after the flashing is completed.

2. A method for flashing the controller software of a HIL test bench according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller software automatic flashing system includes the following modules: a communication display module for detecting the connection status with the T-BOX host computer software; a controller selection module that supports the selection of controllers under different architectures; a program selection module for selecting multiple versions of programs for the same controller; a local file import module for importing external program files; a program instruction issuing module for sending a flashing instruction to the T-BOX host computer software; a flashing progress display module for displaying the flashing progress and results in real time.

3. A method for flashing the controller software for a HIL test bench according to claim 2, characterized in that, The communication display module establishes a communication connection with the T-BOX host computer software through the API interface, and allows the import of program files and the issuance of instructions after the connection is successful.

4. A method for flashing the controller software of a HIL bench according to claim 1, characterized in that, The T-BOX host computer software interacts with the T-BOX controller through a wireless signal, and converts the flashing instruction into a CAN bus signal to achieve remote synchronous flashing of multiple controllers.

5. A method for flashing the controller software for a HIL test bench according to claim 2, characterized in that, The controller selection module supports batch selection of multiple controllers under the same architecture, and matches the corresponding version programs through the program selection module.

6. A method for flashing the controller software of a HIL bench according to claim 1, characterized in that The architecture switching device is an automated module built into the HIL bench, which can switch the physical connection and communication protocol configuration of the electrical architecture according to the host computer instruction.

7. A method for flashing the controller software of a HIL bench according to claim 1, characterized in that, The T-BOX host computer software integrates the OTA remote flashing function, and supports program updates for at least one of the controllers such as PCU, ECU, TCU, and BCM; the wireless communication connection includes at least one of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular network, and the flashing instruction is transmitted through an encryption protocol to ensure security.

8. A method for flashing the controller software for a HIL test bench according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flashing progress display module displays the flashing status of each controller in the form of a visual progress bar, and triggers an alarm prompt in case of an abnormality.

9. A method for flashing the controller software of a HIL test bench according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes automatically generating a log file after the flashing is completed, recording the flashing time, program version, and controller status information for subsequent test verification.

10. A controller software flashing device for a HIL bench, which applies a method for flashing the controller software for a HIL bench according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that The device includes: a host computer, a HIL bench, several vehicle controllers, and several actuators; wherein, the host computer includes a controller software automatic flashing system and a T-BOX host computer software, and the HIL bench includes a power module, a communication board, a communication bus, and an architecture switching device.

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