Virtual Control Device AUTOSAR Hardware Layer Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for testing control software of electronic control units (ECUs) face challenges such as high costs, time-consuming real tests with low reproducibility and the difficulty in reusing environment models for both Hardware in the Loop (HiL) and software tests using virtual ECUs, due to differences in interfaces and high calculation rates that slow down simulations.
Innovation Solution
A virtual control device according to the AUTOSAR standard, equipped with a service layer, ECU abstraction layer, microcontroller abstraction layer, and an additional hardware layer that simulates hardware components, allowing for direct simulation of virtual hardware components and independent calculation rates, thereby simplifying the use of environment models and accelerating simulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensor and actuator models are integrated into the environment model for virtual ECU testing, then the testing realism is improved, but the simulation computation time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the environment model into two distinct parts: (1) the core environment model that can be reused for both HiL and software testing, and (2) separate sensor and actuator models that are only integrated when needed for virtual ECU testing. This segmentation allows the core environment model to remain lightweight and reusable, while sensor/actuator models are added only when testing realism is required, avoiding unnecessary computation time overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by selectively integrating sensor and actuator models only when virtual ECU testing is performed, rather than always integrating them. This partial integration approach maintains testing realism when needed while avoiding the computational overhead during routine operations or when simpler testing is sufficient.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the environment model is extended to include sensor models for virtual ECU testing, then the compatibility with virtual ECU interfaces is improved, but the complexity of model management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal environment model structure that serves multiple functions: it can be used independently for HiL testing with real ECUs, and it can also be extended with sensor/actuator models for virtual ECU testing. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate models for different testing scenarios, reducing overall model management complexity despite the increased adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer of sensor and actuator models that mediate between the core environment model and the virtual ECU. These intermediary models provide the necessary interface compatibility without requiring fundamental changes to the core environment model, thereby managing complexity through a clear architectural boundary.
3Measurement precision
If real-world tests are conducted with actual ECUs, then the testing accuracy is improved, but the cost and time expenditure increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of sensors and actuators through detailed simulation models that replicate the behavior of real hardware components. These virtual copies enable accurate testing of control software without requiring physical ECUs, test tracks, or real-world driving conditions, thereby maintaining testing accuracy while dramatically reducing time and cost expenditures.
4Reliability
If Hardware-in-the-Loop testing is performed with real ECU hardware, then the testing reliability is improved, but the ability to perform early software testing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces virtual sensor and actuator models as intermediaries between the control software under test and the simulation environment. These intermediary virtual models enable early software testing without requiring physical ECU hardware, while maintaining sufficient testing reliability through accurate virtual representations of hardware behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal testing framework that can accommodate both virtual ECU testing (for early software development) and HiL testing with real ECUs (for later validation). This multi-functional framework allows the same core environment model to serve both purposes, enabling early testing while preserving the option for reliable hardware-based testing when needed.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a virtual control unit (10) according to the AUTOSAR standard, comprising a service layer (12), an ECU abstraction layer (14), and a microcontroller abstraction layer (16). According to the invention, the virtual control unit (10) additionally includes a hardware layer (18) configured to simulate at least one hardware component (20). This provides a virtual control unit (10) that enables the easy use of environment models for hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) and software testing, as well as rapid simulation.