Embedded Control Test Platform With Dynamic HIL Signal Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional test platforms for environmental control systems are poorly suited for staged testing, requiring physical manipulation and leading to errors and inconsistencies, which increases costs and complicates the testing process.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for configuring a test platform that automatically receives configuration data to specify simulated and hardware-in-the-loop components, and dynamically maps input signals to output signals, allowing for seamless switching between configurations without physical manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional test platforms use physical manipulation to substitute simulated components for HIL components between test runs, then component testing flexibility is improved, but connection errors and test result reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical manipulation of cable connections with automated software-controlled signal routing. The test platform uses a configuration file to define signal mappings between simulated and HIL components, and an automated switching mechanism routes signals without physical cable changes. This eliminates connection errors while maintaining component testing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an automated switching mechanism as an intermediary between simulated and HIL components. This switching mechanism, controlled by configuration files, acts as a mediator that routes signals appropriately without requiring direct physical reconnection. The intermediary ensures reliable signal transmission while enabling flexible component substitution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conventional test platforms are used to test different component configurations, then testing versatility is improved, but equipment cost and space requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single test platform universal by implementing automated configuration loading from files. The platform can be reconfigured for different component combinations (fully simulated, fully HIL, or mixed) by loading different configuration files that define signal mappings. This eliminates the need for multiple dedicated test platforms while maintaining full testing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration capability where the test platform can change its signal routing and component connections during operation based on loaded configurations. This dynamic switching allows one platform to adapt to multiple testing scenarios without physical reconfiguration, reducing equipment quantity requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional test platforms require physical reconnection of cables between test runs, then component substitution flexibility is improved, but time consumption and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual cable connection operations with automated software-controlled signal routing. Configuration files define the desired component setup, and the system automatically routes signals through appropriate pathways without physical cable manipulation. This eliminates time-consuming manual reconnection while preserving component substitution flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses configuration files to pre-define signal mappings and component connections before test execution. This preliminary configuration allows the system to automatically set up the appropriate test environment without time-consuming manual reconnection during test transitions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional test platforms use manual configuration changes, then testing adaptability is improved, but consistency between test results deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual configuration changes with automated configuration file loading and parsing. The system reads predefined signal mappings from configuration files and automatically applies them, eliminating human error and ensuring consistent interpretation of test requirements across different test runs.
Solution Approach 2:
The test platform automatically configures itself by loading and interpreting configuration files without manual intervention. The system self-adjusts signal routing and component connections based on the loaded configuration, ensuring consistent and repeatable test setups while maintaining adaptability to different test scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect, a test platform for testing an embedded control system having a plurality of interconnected components is operable to: receive, at run time, configuration data for configuring a system under test (“SUT”) representing the embedded control system, the configuration data specifying: which of the components shall be simulated versus hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) components in the SUT; and an inter-component signal mapping that maps input signals to output signals of the specified simulated or HIL components of the SUT; for each of the simulated or HIL components, automatically activate, at run time, a corresponding object code portion for simulating the embedded system component in the test platform or a corresponding object code portion for facilitating communication with the HIL component connected to the test platform, respectively; and automatically map input signals of the activated object code portions to output signals of the activated code portions according to the signal mapping.