Intelligent Hardware Architecture

dSPACE Simulator: different variations for different application areas.

Improving ECU software quality

Powerful Processor Hardware
In today’s hardware-in-the-loop environments, complex vehicle dynamics models with 40 or more degrees of mechanical freedom, which need computing in less than 1 ms, are by no means rare. The dSPACE hardware is based on PowerPC processors, giving it unprecedented computing power and I/O flexibility. Its modular design ensures that you can extend your system in any way you want – in terms of I/O, number of processors, connection to other simulators, and the networking of simulators.

Flexible I/O Hardware
Sensor signals are a particular challenge to hardware-in-the-loop simulation. For example, powerful I/O hardware is required to generate crankshaft-synchronous signals and simulate faulty sensors. dSPACE Simulator includes intelligent I/O cards that themselves generate and measure signals independently and flexibly. Signal conditioning and failure simulation are based on an intelligent modular concept that guarantees quick configuration and maximum flexibility. dSPACE Simulator can be adapted to new requirements faster than any other system.

Integrating further Hardware
dSPACE will also integrate your own hardware components or third-party hardware if required, for example:

• Diagnosis and application hardware for reading out the fault memory and internal ECU variables
  
• Real system components and loads such as actuators, sensors, hydraulics and mechanics
  
• Relay boxes, break-out boxes
  
• Customer-specific power supplies

Signal Generation and Measurement
Here are just a few of the automotive signals that can be generated and measured by dSPACE Simulator:

• Algorithm- and waveform-based signal generation (crankshaft, camshaft, knocking signals, etc.)
  
• Generation of PWM sensor signals and Hall sensor signals (wheel speed, fuel level, etc.)
  
• Generation of resistance-based sensor signals (temperature, etc.)
  
• Generation and measurement of analog and digital sensor signals (throttle, switches, lamps, relays, etc.)
  
• Simulation of linear lambda probes
  
• Angle-based measurement of injection and ignition pulses
  
• Measurement of PWM actuator signals (solenoid valves, etc.)
  
• Connection to CAN and serial interfaces