Real-Time HIL Sub-Model Communication for Control Unit Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The development of control units is hindered by the high effort required in preparing hardware-in-the-loop simulators, particularly when multiple sub-models interact, necessitating a more flexible and efficient method for creating and testing models.
Innovation Solution
A method for generating a model of a technical system executable on a test device, involving identifying communication properties and definitions of executable submodels, configuring communication interfaces, and setting up real-time communication links, allowing for flexible model creation and testing without the need for recompilation upon changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional HIL simulation preparation methods are used with multiple interacting sub-models, then comprehensive testing capability is achieved, but the effort and time required for simulation preparation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the simulation model into multiple independent sub-models, each representing a specific technical system component. These sub-models can be developed, tested, and modified independently while maintaining standardized interfaces for communication. This segmentation allows parallel development and reduces the time required for overall simulation preparation while maintaining comprehensive testing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of communication interfaces and data exchange protocols between sub-models during the model development phase. Communication properties such as data formats, transmission rates, and interface specifications are predefined and stored for automatic retrieval during simulation setup. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming communication configuration during each simulation preparation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If communication interfaces are configured after sub-models are compiled, then flexibility to exchange sub-models is improved, but the complexity of managing communication properties increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication interface layer that standardizes data exchange between sub-models. This intermediary layer handles communication properties such as data formatting, protocol conversion, and interface management, allowing sub-models to be exchanged without affecting overall system integration. The intermediary absorbs the complexity of communication management while maintaining simple, standardized interfaces for sub-model developers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter-based configuration where communication properties are defined as adjustable parameters rather than fixed structures. Communication interfaces can be dynamically configured by modifying parameters such as data rates, buffer sizes, and protocol selections without requiring structural changes to sub-models. This parameter-based approach simplifies the management of communication properties while maintaining high flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for generating an executable model (6) of a technical system on a test device (2), wherein the test device and the executable model are designed for real-time testing of a control unit (8) connected to the test device, and wherein the executable model is composed of a plurality of mutually communicating executable sub-models (10, 12), wherein each of the executable sub-models has a separate address space and/or is executed on a separate processor or separate processor core when performing a test of a control unit connected to the test device.The procedure comprises the following steps, which are performed after compiling high-level language submodels into executable submodels: (a) for each of the plurality of executable submodels, identifying communication properties of the respective executable submodel, (b) accessing communication definitions (16) for communication between the executable submodels, (c) configuring communication interfaces (110, 112, 114, 128, 130, 132) of the plurality of executable submodels based on the communication properties of the executable submodels and the communication definitions for communication between the executable submodels, and (d) establishing at least one real-time communication link (14) between the executable submodels based on the communication properties of the executable submodels and the communication definitions for communication between the executable submodels.