Emulator-Based Real-Time Testing for Virtual Control Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing real-time testing devices for virtual electronic control units require translation of code into a different instruction set, limiting early testing and increasing development costs, as they cannot execute original code intended for a different computing unit type without physical presence.
Innovation Solution
A testing device with an emulator on a computing unit of a first type that executes and emulates a computing unit of a second type, allowing the original electronic control unit code to run without translation, using a simulation environment interface for data and event exchange to synchronize real-time simulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the electronic control unit code is translated into a different instruction set for execution on the testing device, then the code can be executed on the testing device, but the testing cannot be performed with the original code and significant development effort is required
Solution Approach 1:
An emulator is introduced as an intermediary component that runs on the testing device's computing unit and provides the original instruction set environment. This emulator mediates between the testing device hardware and the original electronic control unit code, allowing the code to execute without translation while maintaining real-time testing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The emulator creates a virtual copy of the target computing unit environment on the testing device. This copy includes the original instruction set architecture, allowing the electronic control unit code to execute as if running on the actual target hardware, eliminating the need for code translation or modification
2Reliability
If the real electronic control unit is physically present for testing, then the original code can be tested, but the development costs and scheduling efforts increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the physical real-time capable computing unit, the system creates a virtual copy through an emulator that replicates the instruction set behavior. This virtual environment enables early testing of the original code on standard hardware, saving development time while maintaining testing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The emulator is prepared in advance on the testing device, creating a ready-to-use virtual environment for code execution. This preliminary setup allows testing to begin before the actual real-time capable hardware is available, reducing development delays
3Adaptability or versatility
If the electronic control unit code is written in high-level language for translation, then it can be executed on different computing units, but it cannot execute on the original computing unit type without translation
Solution Approach 1:
The emulator serves as an intermediary that eliminates the need for code translation. It translates the host computing unit's instruction set to the target computing unit's instruction set at runtime, allowing the original code to execute directly on the target platform without modification while maintaining portability
Data Source
AI summary
A testing device for real-time testing of at least a part of a virtual electronic control unit with an electronic control unit code is provided. The testing device has a computing unit of a first type, and a computing unit of a second type. The testing of a virtual electronic control unit with electronic control unit code, which is executable on the computing unit of the second type with a second instruction set, is made possible in that a computing unit of the first type executes an emulator for emulating the computing unit of the second type and the emulator executes the electronic control unit code. The emulator also has a simulation environment interface for exchanging data and/or events with the simulation environment.