Vehicle architectures consist of a large number of electronic control units (ECUs) that are connected to each other in a distributed network. This network controls safety and driver assistance systems among others. One the one hand, increasing vehicle automation translates into a more complex ECU network that in turn results in higher test and validation efforts. On the other hand, the goal is to have shorter development cycles which contradicts a steady or even broader test coverage.

Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) systems are often used to test and validate real ECUs; however, they can only be utilized in advanced development stages. This may result in late recognition of development failures that need to be corrected at high costs. Due to these constraints and the increased test effort, the role of ECU virtualization is gaining importance. The application of virtual ECUs (vECUs) allows to test individual functions or the entire ECU logic early on. At the same time, test efforts can be parallelized without being limited to a small number of HIL systems.

The CarMaker product family offers an ideal integration platform to support ECU virtualization. All virtualization levels from the integration of individual features (level 0) to the real ECU (level 5) can be included while system communication is realized via CAN bus for example. Following the purpose-driven fidelity approach, individual features or the entire ECU logic can be integrated into the full-vehicle model according to customized test criteria and simulated in combination with the Physical Sensor Models from the CarMaker product family. The highly precise simulation platform models real scenarios, road users and traffic conditions and ensures continuous traceability of simulation results. Virtualize and scale test efforts with CarMaker to efficiently implement your shift-left strategy. Do not hesitate to contact our team directly for further information.