Digital twins for embedded systems raise your product development to a new level: Test processes are optimized, development cycles are accelerated and resources are used efficiently – without the need for physical prototypes. We support you in the introduction and improvement of virtualization strategies, from consulting to individual planning, vECU implementation and training for efficient development processes.
A digital twin for embedded systems is a virtual model of an electronic control unit (ECU) in a software environment. This digital copy makes it possible to conduct more extensive tests and validations without physical prototypes, which significantly accelerates development cycles.
Continuous software development driven by continuous integration, testing and development requires rapid feedback loops and automated processes. Hardware-based development methods often come up against their limits. Complex interactions and large numbers of variants drive up the expense of testing and validation.
Digital twins for embedded systems offer a forward-looking solution. Virtualization technologies such as software-in-the-loop (SiL) allow ECUs and their periphery to be comprehensively simulated, covering multiple use cases on a virtual basis.
The challenge: Managing growing complexity
The development of embedded systems, particularly in the automotive industry, presents a number of tough challenges. The increasing complexity of modern hardware-software products is raising the requirements for the integration and validation of systems. While conventional testing methods such as hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) offer established solutions, they are often associated with high costs and limited scalability. At the same time, new approaches such as continuous integration, testing and deployment require shorter development cycles, faster feedback loops and increased automation.
The large number of hardware variants that need to be taken into account during development represent another obstacle. This requires precise simulation environments in order to reliably test the behavior and interaction of these variants. It is also essential to determine the appropriate depth of virtualization. The flexibility of modern virtualization technologies opens up a broad range of solutions, but this variety can make it more difficult to choose the ideal degree of abstraction for specific use cases.
Overcoming these challenges requires a clear understanding of project goals and a strategic approach that runs from a precise definition of the testing strategy through to the integration of agile methods. This is the only way to fully exploit the potential of modern virtualization technologies and significantly improve the efficiency of development activities.
The solution: Implementing virtualization strategies
We offer comprehensive support with the introduction and optimization of virtualization strategies, including advice, the tailored planning and implementation of vECUs, and training for efficient development processes.
Our digital twin services for embedded systems
Virtualization advice
We can help you plan and implement modern simulation infrastructures that can help optimize your development processes, make your market launches more efficient and improve quality. We can help you manage the complexity of developing embedded control units and secure the achievement of your project goals. At the same time, we can help you manage the complexity of developing embedded control units and reliably achieve your project goals.
Virtualization & software-in-the-loop (SiL) training
Accelerate your development processes: Our comprehensive SiL training will give you the know-how you need to accelerate your established control unit development processes and manage the growing complexity of automotive development.
Our training at a glance:
Comprehensive teaching plan: We teach both the basics and advanced concepts of SiL technology – from simulation environments to the finer details of real-time tests.
Practice-based learning: Participants take part in practical exercises, real-life scenarios and interactive simulations that reflect the challenges of the industry.
Expert knowledge: Benefit from industry-leading trainers.
Customized learning journeys: Our training program offers customizable modules to meet your specific requirements, in order to ensure that you receive the most relevant and effective learning experience possible.
Future-proofing: Gain mastery of the SiL technologies that drive modern development processes.
Virtual control units (vECUs) are essential for simulation and testing in embedded systems. In order to differentiate between the different degrees of abstraction, the ProSTEP iViP Association has defined four different types:
Type 1 vECUs: The focus is on the functional behavior of the application software, without fully virtualizing the hardware. This type only models the core functions of the application.
Type 2 vECUs: This type simulates the communication behavior of a control unit and supports interactions with other network components.
Type 3 vECUs: Type 3 vECUs offer precise timing and synchronization functions for time-critical applications. They integrate basic software in a more comprehensive manner, with the exception of the microcontroller abstraction layer (MCAL).
Type 4 vECUs: Type 4 vECUs run the real target code on a detailed processor simulation (e.g. ASTC VLAB, Synopsys SDK). No adapted toolchain is required.
We will work with you to define the ideal abstraction of your system, depending on the use case and software architecture. Our SiL verification strategy adapts the depth of virtualization to the test requirements and the specific framework conditions of the system being tested (SUT). We abstract interfaces, develop abstraction models such as virtual drivers in C, Python or SystemC, and expand build toolchains for the combined configuration of virtual and real ECUs. In this way, we facilitate the seamless integration of virtual control units into existing development processes. We use this as a basis to develop simulation models for actors, sensors, electronic peripherals and virtual bus drivers. We then integrate the virtual setup into a closed simulation and link it to test automation and CI/CD processes in order to boost the efficiency of development.
Do you have a specific idea or project in mind?
Together we work on efficiency, shorten development cycles and reduce the need for physical prototypes.
Digital twins for embedded systems: efficient, flexible and future-proof
The virtualization of embedded systems offers a clear competitive advantage. It eliminates the need for costly hardware prototypes, reduces development costs, and facilitates early integration and troubleshooting.
With our many years of experience and state-of-the-art methods, we will support you from analysis through to the implementation of virtual environments. Our customized solutions reduce dependencies on hardware, accelerate development cycles and improve the quality of your products.
Key take aways
High economic efficiency
Efficient testing
Basis for fact-based decisions
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