HIL Simulators Improve Performance

November 9th, 2007

IPG Automotive has improved the computer architecture of their hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test benches, allowing them, the company claims, up to ten times faster.

They have replaced the VMEbus system used in earlier systems with a compactPCI (cPCI) system. One advantage of the new cPCI systems are smaller and more easily used in prototype vehicles. Another change is that the new systems use Intel x86 processors, including the new multi-core processors, which make running simulations faster.

The cPCI bus supports all existing I/O modules at IPG as well as the standard bus systems CAN, Ethernet, FlexRay and LIN. In addition, new I/O modules have been developed using high performance FPGAs. One example is the new board for very precise wheel signal generation. Using it, frequencies in the range between 0.001 Hz and 25 MHz can be generated with a resolution of 0.00018 Hz.

The new Xeno operating system of CarMaker/HIL is based on Linux and is designed for strong real-time requirements. A unique characteristic is the support of the newest multi-core processors. Purchasing departments may be interested in the fact that there are no licence fees for this operating system.

IPG will continue to support its VMEbus/PowerPC system as well as the dSPACE platforms DS1005 (PowerPC) and DS1006 (x86). However, existing customers now have the opportunity to upgrade their systems with the new high-performance real-time hardware from IPG on good terms.

Entry Filed under: Simulation