Creation and Usage of Virtual Control Units (V-ECUs) in SIL and HIL for Development and Validation especially for Software-Defined-Vehicles (SDVs)

The mindset to think about cars as Software-Defined-Vehicles (SDVs) is intensifying more and more by many automakers and suppliers. They aim to become strong software companies at the same time. This leads to an increasing interest in virtual development and validation environments. Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) environments are both well-known and established methods which both provide meaningful advantages. To achieve highest efficiency and flexibility, the transition between SIL and HIL is key. By this, re-use of all kinds of artifacts like models and test cases between SIL and HIL becomes possible. Especially remarkable is a possible combination of virtual and real Electronic Control Units (ECUs) which leads to hybrid environments or couplings of SIL and HIL test systems. Different types of virtual control units (V-ECUs) can be used for this purpose, but the generation of V-ECUs is still an issue for many companies. We would like to share our understanding of V-ECUs: the definition of different types especially for SDVs, the generation and usage of corresponding V-ECUs, and the SIL-HIL transition. These insights can be used for guidelines to define an overarching validation strategy at OEMs or suppliers.