Model-based ECU development – An Integrated MiL-SiL-HiL Approach

In this paper, an integrated approach that overcomes the tool and process inefficiencies in model-based development (MBD) of automotive embedded control unit (ECU) software is presented. This is done by first leveraging the Model-in-the-loop (MiL) technique on the desktop PC environment where the use of state-of-the-art plant models significantly accelerates the pace of software design, testing and calibration. Thereafter, the automatic generation of ECU code from the models allows the Software-in-the-Loop (SiL) technique to be used. This step brings a higher level of confidence in the implementation of the software without requiring ECU hardware. Finally, the software is downloaded to a development ECU and the Hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) technique is used to verify that the software behavior is identical to that observed in the MiL and SiL environments.