Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) Simulation Technique for an Automotive Electronics Course

HIL simulation which is part of V-design an industrial approach mainly used in automotive industries for the development of automotive products and Electronic Control Units (ECU). This paper provides an insight into how this industry specific technology is incorporated into automotive electronics course. The course is designed to realize the functionalities of an automotive application built using Model-Based-Design (MBD) with HIL simulation approach. This approach enables to convert the algorithms design and environmental models into real-time applications which can be run on dedicated real-time target hardware connected to physical system. The student learns to systematically create and execute test cases for their automotive sub-system models or components, verify for system requirements and can learn to test their designs for all stages of the Model Based Design process including real-time testing. Outcomes are measured by industry specific rapid prototyping skills demonstrated by the students which made students industry ready.