SEAT announced that it started to use a new Hardware in the Loop simulator (HIL) for testing ESP systems. The purpose of this research is to improve the quality of its ESP systems. Joan Roig, Chassis Development Manager at Seat hints at the migration of the research results towards Audi and Volkswagen: "With the HIL simulator, SEAT is increasing its electronics know-how, improving its ESP quality and enhancing the ties between our area and our counterparts in Audi and VW".
SEAT Press Release:
FOR SIMULATION OF ESP BEHAVIOUR PATTERNS
New “Hardware in the Loop” simulator in the Technical Center of SEAT
Once again, the SEAT Technical Center has proven its exceptional R&D&i potential, with a new facility, a “Hardware in the Loop” simulator (HIL) for testing ESP systems was installed in the Chassis Electronics department and inaugurated on 5 October.
The HIL simulator is used to simulate the ESP electronic stability programme’s behaviour patterns in all driving conditions. There are more than 700 simulations that systematically check that the ESP terminal performs according to specifications and provides the driver with all necessary information.
Using an IT system with real-time calculations, the system manages to simulate an entire dynamic driving scenario for the ESP control unit to act virtually in the vehicle’s working condition. Additionally, the system’s reactions can be observed on the instrument panel installed on the front, while all HIL tasks are monitored on a peripheral computer where the results are stored and visualised, as well as the variables that define the vehicle to be tested.
Besides this main application, the HIL simulator features others, such as verification of the ESP control unit software evolution, a complete
diagnosis and its interaction with the remaining electronic elements of the vehicle.
“With the HIL simulator, SEAT is increasing its electronics know-how, improving its ESP quality and enhancing the ties between our area and our counterparts in Audi and VW”, says Joan Roig, Chassis Development Manager. “Electronics is increasingly gaining in importance in chassis development, and the HIL gives us a significant boost to rise to the challenge and put ourselves at the forefront of electronics in our sector.”
