Co-Simulation Timing for Real-Time Control Unit Development
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Solution Overview
Problem
The development of control units in complex systems like automotive and aviation requires more flexible and comprehensive simulation methods, particularly in the use of hardware-in-the-loop simulators, where the effort for preparing real-time-capable simulations is high due to the need for all sub-models to operate in real-time, limiting the integration of non-real-time-capable sub-simulations.
Innovation Solution
A method that integrates real-time-capable and non-real-time-capable sub-simulations by allowing the latter to operate with a virtual simulation time coupled to the real-time-capable sub-simulation, enabling the creation of estimated data when necessary, thus reducing the requirement for all sub-simulations to be real-time-capable and allowing for greater flexibility in simulation components and resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If all sub-simulations are required to operate in real-time mode, then the simulation achieves high timing precision and real-time capability, but the device complexity and preparation effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation system is divided into multiple independent sub-simulations that can operate with different timing characteristics. Some sub-simulations run in real-time mode while others run in non-real-time mode, allowing each to be optimized independently for its specific requirements rather than forcing all components to use the same timing approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the timing parameter of sub-simulations from a uniform real-time requirement to variable timing modes. By allowing sub-simulations to operate with different timing characteristics (real-time vs. non-real-time), the system reduces preparation effort while maintaining overall simulation accuracy through coordinated data exchange.
2Reliability
If only real-time-capable sub-simulations are used, then the simulation maintains high reliability and deterministic behavior, but the adaptability and flexibility of the simulation system are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation system segments different functional requirements into separate sub-simulations with appropriate timing characteristics. Critical real-time functions maintain deterministic behavior while less time-sensitive functions can use non-real-time sub-simulations, increasing overall system flexibility without compromising reliability of critical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulation platform achieves multi-functionality by supporting both real-time and non-real-time sub-simulations within the same system. This universal approach allows the simulation to adapt to different requirements (high reliability vs. flexibility) depending on which sub-simulations are activated and how they are configured.
3Ease of manufacture
If non-real-time-capable sub-simulations are integrated, then the ease of manufacture and resource requirements are reduced, but the measurement precision and synchronization accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism for data exchange between real-time and non-real-time sub-simulations. This mediator coordinates the timing and data synchronization, allowing non-real-time sub-simulations to contribute to the overall simulation without compromising the precision requirements of real-time components. The intermediary manages the trade-off by translating between different timing domains.
4Productivity
If estimated data is used when calculated data is not available on time, then the productivity and uninterrupted execution are improved, but the measurement precision and data accuracy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares estimated data in advance as a cushion or backup when calculated data might not be available on time. This pre-prepared estimated data ensures that the simulation can continue without interruption, maintaining productivity while accepting reduced accuracy only when necessary. The estimated data acts as a safety buffer that prevents simulation stalls.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing a real-time-capable simulation for control unit development, wherein the real-time-capable simulation simulates a control unit or an environment of a control unit or a combination of a control unit and an environment of the control unit. The real-time-capable simulation has a co-simulation of a real-time-capable sub-simulation and a non-real-time-capable sub-simulation that interacts with the real-time-capable sub-simulation, wherein the real-time-capable sub-simulation and the non-real-time-capable sub-simulation are designed for communication of simulation data. The real-time-capable sub-simulation has a first simulation time corresponding to real time and the non-real-time-capable sub-simulation has a virtual, second simulation time that is coupled to the first simulation time and that matches the first simulation time at the start of the real-time-capable simulation.