Test Automation Using ASAM XiL Methodology for Software Tests Using Software-in-the-Loop (SiL) Method

Test Automation is one of the important aspects of Verification and Validation, in minimizing manual efforts, increasing efficiency, and having better test coverage. Verification and Validation at an early stage in the development life cycle, at software-level is beneficial in early detection of bugs/issues. Virtualization and simulation using Software-in-the-Loop (SiL) method, involving Virtual ECUs (V-ECU), is one such method adopted, for our use-case. Using V-ECU, the software is virtualized and simulated on the development PC. This poses challenges in testing the software using SiL method, to adapt the test-cases and execute it effectively and efficiently. Faster feedback, ensuring high-level of coverage is one of the key aspects to be considered. In this paper, an effective and efficient approach of test automation is incorporated, as part of our use-case and the same is presented. V-ECU, as part of the SiL environment is simulated in Vector CANoe and the tests are executed using the Test Sequences in dSPACE AutomationDesk (AuD). ASAM XiL provides a standard mechanism, by means of API, to integrate the test automation tools and simulation tools. A suitable case-study is presented, highlighting the re-use of test cases from HiL-to-SiL, using ASAM XiL. With minimal costs and reduced efforts, ensuring compatibility between test automation tool and simulation tool is also presented in this paper.