Automotive ECU Testing | Functional Testing | HIL Testing (2024)

Learn About our Expertise in ECU Testing of Instrument Clusters, ADAS, Power Steering and Other Systems

Our Software & Hardware ECU Testing have in-depth Automotive Domain expertise. For close to two decades, we have been partnering with Automotive OEMs and Suppliers from USA, China, Taiwan, South Korea, India, and Europe.

Our Automotive ECU Testing Teams have experience in delivering projects for Functional, Unit, Integration and System testing of the following automotive products:

  • Instrument Clusters (tell-tales, warnings, gauges, chimes and support for various languages)
  • Seating Comfort Systems: Lumbar Massage Support.
  • In Vehicle Infotainment System
  • HVAC System (heater mats and blowers).
  • Head-up display (HUD)
  • ADAS components like Cruise Control
  • Anti-lock braking system
  • Seat & Mirror ECU (Memory Store/Recall, Easy Entry/ Easy Exit, Reverse Mirror Support)
  • Electronic Power Steering (EPS)

Talk to our Automotive Testing Consultants

Support for Automotive ECU Testing - Unit Testing, Integration Testing & Functional (HIL, MIL, SIL) Testing

Our software and hardware testing engineers help you develop the ‘Test Strategies’ for all stages of automotive testing- unit, integration and functional testing.

Unit Testing

Integration Testing

Functional Testing (MIL Testing, SIL Testing, HIL Testing)

CAN, Ethernet and LIN Conformance Test

Unit Testing

Integration Testing

Functional Testing (MIL Testing, SIL Testing, HIL Testing)

CAN, Ethernet and LIN Conformance Test

A Handbook on Functional Testing

Learn more about MIL, SIL and HIL Testing
of Automotive Software

Download PDF

A Handbook on Functional Testing

Learn more about MIL, SIL and HIL Testing
of Automotive Software

Download PDF

Automotive ECU Testing | Functional Testing | HIL Testing (1)

[Demo] Functional Testing of HVAC, Mirror, and Seat Control Unit

Talk to our Automotive ECU Testing Consultants

ECU Testing: Understanding the Process Flow Diagram

Automotive ECU Testing | Functional Testing | HIL Testing (2)

  • The automotive software or hardware testing requirements are uploaded to Rational DOORS Tool (a Requirement Management Tool). Any kind of changes, in the testing requirements, can be managed with the help of this tool.
  • Each testing artifact is then analyzed to segregate the software requirements against which functional testing is required to be performed.
  • Rational, a Quality Manager Tool is then used to define the test cases w.r.t the requirements. Single test case might fulfill multiple requirements.
  • The test cases are then executed using various functional testing tools such as LabView, ETAS & VT System.
  • Post the completion of the functional testing, test reports are generated, and bugs are logged in Rational Quality manager.
  • These bugs are then tracked for resolution and shared with the customers for inspection. The steps are repeated till the number of bugs come down to acceptable value.

ECU Testing Success Stories: HIL Testing, MIL Testing, SIL Testing & more

Automotive ECU Testing | Functional Testing | HIL Testing (3)

Automated Unit Testing (using Tessy Tool) for a Body Control Module (BCM) Application

About the Customer

A Tier-1 supplier of Automotive components.

Business Challenge

In the absence of in-house skills related to Automation in Software Testing, the customer faced headwinds in showcasing the required testing reports to the OEMs.

Embitel’s Solution

The following Software modules were tested using Tessy (Unit Testing Tool):

  1. CAN BUS Drivers.
  2. UDS Protocol Stack (ISO 13400).
  3. Low-Level Drivers such as NVM, Timer, SPI, ADC, MCU, Clock.
  4. Base Software Module (BSW) including NVM Handler, PWM Handler, Scheduler and more.

Automotive ECU Testing | Functional Testing | HIL Testing (4)

MIL and SIL testing of Autonomous Guidance Sys. SIMULINK, Statflow, TruckSim

About the Customer

A Tier 2 Supplier based in UK

Business Challenge

Our goal was to develop a sophisticated simulation for truck dynamics and control systems.

Embitel’s Solution

We delivered:

  • An advanced Trucksim model with comprehensive vehicle dynamics.
  • Seamless Simulink integration using VS commands for data flow.

Automotive ECU Testing | Functional Testing | HIL Testing (5)

Mutation Testing of an Automotive EPS for ISO 26262 (ASIL D) Compliance

About Customer

An Automotive Engineering Company, specializing in Powertrain and Body Electronics Development

Business Challenge

To perform mutation testing to meet ASIL D compliance as per ISO 26262 standard

Embitel’s Solution

  • All the test-cases were executed and mutant testing results were reported using the proprietary tools of our customer.
  • Our automotive ECU software testers analyzed mutant test results to identify ‘acceptable’ and ‘not acceptable’ mutants (mutant codes that were not killed).

Customer FAQs for Automotive ECU Testing - Unit, Integration, Functional Testing

We plan to build a setup for validation and testing (HIL/MIL/SIL) of Automotive Systems (like Seating, HVAC, BCM, Infotainment etc). Can you provide the required support?

Ans. Yes, we have experience in helping such customers in setting-up such test labs.

Our V&V (Verification & Validation) Consultants will travel to your location and set-up the Offshore Development Centre (ODC).

Basis your requirements, the validation and testing tools will also be deployed for the testing processes. Any additional support will also be provided as per the project specifications.

Can you provide test and validation reports for one of our existing automotive application?

Ans. Yes, our Consultants can provide testing of your existing product and deliver the required test reports.

The test reports will be generated as per the specifications of the project. Our testing and validation team has expertise in various tools, following is the indicative lists of such tools:

  • Tessy tool, CANTATA, RTRT for Unit Testing,
  • CAPL Script, Mx-VDev for Integration testing
  • CANAlyzer, LabView, ETAS for HIL Testing, SIL Testing and MIL Testing.

We have collaborated with some of our customers for testing of Low-level drivers and protocol software stacks such as UDS (ISO 14229) and CAN (ISO 11898).

We have an industry-recognized and proven competency in Tessy tool.

Which business engagement model do you follow for your Automotive CU & System Testing Projects?

Ans. Our testing services are primarily provided on a Time and Materialbasis. You will be billed on actual man hours as well as the cost of test tools licenses. In scenarios where our association require long term commitment, we can design the engagement based on ‘fixed price model’. This happens when there is a detailed long-term roadmap for the project and the understanding of the complexity of the code.

Do you follow a specific team structure for testing of automotive system/solution?

Ans. Choosing us as your technology partner, you get a dedicated team of professionals working on the project. Usually, the team working on a Unit, Integration or Functional Testing project has the following members:

  • Test Manager: A test manager is usually a senior testing engineer. He/She oversees the project, plans the test strategy and interacts with the customers on a regular basis.
  • Testing Engineers: Test Engineers’ role is to perform the tests, be it unit testing, integration or HIL/MIL/SIL Testing. They write the test cases based on requirements and execute them using different testing tools.

Is our code safe with you? How do you ensure the code safety and integrity?

Ans. Absolutely! We take the safety and integrity of your code very seriously. To follow it in letter and spirit, we strictly adhere to the guidelines prescribed in standards such as GDPR and ISO 27001.

At Embitel, it is mandatory for all the members of the Testing Team to clear an online test for these standards.

On top of this, every code transfer is done overSecure FTP.

Our project requires testing engineers to travel to our location. Do you have an offshore/onsite business model?

Ans. If the project demands, we can send across our testing engineers to the customers’ location as per our offshore business model. As an alternative, we can set up an Offshore Development Centre (ODC) for the testing project. The customers can send the software module for testing. As we have a secure FTP in place, the code sent for testing is completely secure. The tests will be performed, and reports will be shared within the agreed-upon timeframe.

What are the different software testing reports that you share with us?

Ans. The Deliverables of the Functional Testing/Unit Testing/Integration Testing include:

  • Unit Test Reports
  • Integration Test Reports
  • Validation Reports

In addition to these reports, our testing team will also provide Tool reports from tools like Tessy, CANTATA, etc.

How do you monitor the progress of the automotive software testing projects?

Ans. We keep the customers apprised of the project development by sharing the Timesheets on a weekly or monthly basis.

Details of completed and pending tasks, overall health of the project. are also mentioned in the timesheet.

Project Managers are also in constant touch with the customers to update them on the latest developments of the project.

How do ECU testing services adapt to the evolving technological landscape of automotive electronics, particularly with the emergence of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicle technologies?

Ans: ECU (Engine Control Unit) testing services adapt to the evolving technological landscape of automotive electronics, including the emergence of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicle technologies, through several key strategies:

  • Advanced Testing Methodologies: Incorporating sophisticated testing techniques such as model-based testing and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations to address the complexity of ADAS and autonomous systems.
  • Increased Automation: Leveraging automated testing frameworks to efficiently manage the extensive testing demands of advanced automotive systems.
  • Use of AI and Machine Learning: Applying AI and ML to optimize testing processes, predict potential failures, and analyze test results for deeper insights.
  • Collaboration with Regulatory Bodies: Ensuring compliance with evolving standards and regulations by actively engaging with industry consortia and regulatory bodies.
  • Emphasis on Cybersecurity: Addressing the cybersecurity challenges associated with connected vehicles through comprehensive vulnerability assessments and penetration testing.
  • Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Staying abreast of technological advancements and continuously updating testing protocols to reflect the latest industry developments.
  • Customized Testing Solutions: Offering tailored testing services to meet the specific requirements of diverse ADAS and autonomous systems.

These strategies enable ECU testing services to support the development of safe, reliable, and secure automotive technologies.

Related Blogs: Learn more about Automotive ECU Testing, Test Automation Frameworks and Vehicle Diagnostics Stacks

  • [Vlog] Introducing Check C Framework: The Power-Packed Tool for Unit Testing of Automotive Software
  • How vTest Studio and CANoe Tools Empower the Automation of ECU (Electronic Control Unit) Testing
  • VT System Configuration Services for HIL Testing of Automotive Control Units (ECU)
  • How to Perform Hardware-in-Loop Testing for an Automotive Solution Development Project

Knowledge bytes

  • What is Automotive ECU Testing?

Ans: Automotive Electronic Control Unit (ECU) testing is the process of evaluating the functionality, reliability, and performance of ECUs within a vehicle.

ECUs are the electronic modules responsible for controlling various aspects of a vehicle’s operations, such as engine management, transmission control, braking system, power steering, and infotainment systems.

ECU Testing involves a series of checks and simulations to ensure that these units meet all specifications, perform as expected under various conditions, and comply with safety and regulatory standards. This process can include hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing, and on-vehicle testing, covering everything from individual component functionality to the ECU’s interaction with other vehicle systems.

  • How do you test the ECU?

Ans: Automotive ECU testing involves verifying the Electronic Control Unit’s functionality, to ensure that it meets specified performance criteria. This process includes static tests for software validation, dynamic tests for real-time system responses, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations to assess the ECU’s interaction with vehicle systems under simulated conditions.

  • What are different Tools Used for Unit Testing, Integration Testing and Functional Testing for Automotive Systems?

Ans: There are a number of testing tools that help in the execution of unit, integration, functional testing of automotive systems. We have expertise in the following tools for software and hardware verification:

  • DOORS Requirement Management Tool: It is a tool fromIBMthat helpscapture, trace, analyze,and manage the requirements for a customer. It proves to be a useful tool in automotive software/hardware testing especially, functional testing.
  • Rational Quality Manager: It is a web-based tool from IBM . It adds value to theFunctional Testing (HIL,MIL,SIL)process by automating the test planning, test construction and test management activities.
  • CANalyzer/CANoe: These are software development and Testing tools from Vector. One of the functions of CANalyzer/CANoe is to help in analysis and simulation of network communication between various Electronic Control Units (ECU).
  • LabView: LabView is a Test Automation Framework from National Instrument. It helps to control and customize a Functional Testing system. LabView expedites the SIL, MIL and HIL Testing process and proves to be an efficient testing framework that also helps reduce time-to-market.
  • CANTATA: CANTATA is also a Test Automation framework. CANTATA automates Unit Testing and Integration Testing. It enables the software developers to achieve compliance with different standards such as ISO 26262, MISRA C & more.
  • Mx-VDev: Mx-VDEV is a very popularly used Unit and Integration Testing tool. Mx-VDEV automates the creation and execution of test cases for Unit Testing and Integration Testing of Electronics Control Unit applications.
  • RTRT: RTRT is a test automation framework, that can perform a number of automotive software testing activities such as unit testing, coverage analysis and system testing.
  • ETAS: ETAS is also a test automation tool, that can performHIL testingas well. In one of our projects, we have used ETAS tool for HIL testing ofExhaust System Software.
Automotive ECU Testing | Functional Testing | HIL Testing (2024)

FAQs

What is a functional test in automotive? ›

Ans: Automotive ECU testing involves verifying the Electronic Control Unit's functionality, to ensure that it meets specified performance criteria. Ans: There are a number of testing tools that help in the execution of unit, integration, functional testing of automotive systems.

What type of testing is used to test the functionality of a vehicle system? ›

Road tests on the short-distance track mainly serve to test the function of parts, components or vehicle systems.

How to test an ECU? ›

You can use a bench test setup, which simulates the car's electrical system and sensors, to connect your ECU and check its operation. You can also use a software tool, such as an ECU simulator or a diagnostic scanner, to communicate with your ECU and monitor its parameters, codes, and outputs.

What are the test cases for HIL testing? ›

The use cases describe HIL tests for powertrain applications that include all of the components in a vehicle's drive system, such as the engine, and the transmission. The use cases demonstrate how to test automotive body electronics, such as ECUs for the airbag or for FlexRay communication systems.

Is functional testing difficult? ›

Functional testing is easy to execute manually. It is hard to execute non-functional testing manually. It tests what the product does. It describes how the product does.

What is a full functional test? ›

Definition. comprehensive test that demonstrates the integrity of all functions of the item under test, in all operational modes, including back-up modes and all foreseen transitions.

What is an ECU test tool? ›

ECU-TEST was designed for test automation and for the validation of ECUs. Standard test tools are already integrated and can be used together in tests. ECU-TEST is used to design, realize, run and evaluate tests.

Which testing is also known as functional testing? ›

Functional testing is a type of testing that seeks to establish whether each application feature works as per the software requirements. Each function is compared to the corresponding requirement to ascertain whether its output is consistent with the end user's expectations.

How is testing done in the automotive industry? ›

To perform the test, various environmental chambers, humidity test chambers are provided that helps to create an artificial exposure for the automotive parts inside the laboratories to test the quality of the products and the effect of different weather conditions on the products.

What makes an ECU fail? ›

Voltage spikes and surges, often caused by faulty alternators or electrical system issues, can overwhelm the ECU's sensitive electronic components. This can result in the ECU becoming damaged or corrupted, affecting its ability to control the engine.

How much does it cost to test a ECU? ›

THE ECU EXAMINATION, TEST AND DIAGNOSTICS FEE IS £90 + VAT

We believe this fee to be good value within the industry.

How to test a car ECM? ›

To do this, ensure that all sensors and actuators are functioning correctly. Verify that sensors supply the appropriate power to the ECM and that all components receive the correct signals from the computer. This can be achieved by tracing the voltage through each component.

What is functionality test cases? ›

A functional test case is a set of instructions that outlines how to test a specific function in a software application. For example, if the application includes a feature to send emails, a functional test case might involve checking whether an email is sent successfully when a user clicks the 'send' button.

What is SIL testing in automotive? ›

Software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing has become an integral part of software development in the automotive industry. At the same time, the short abbreviation SIL covers a very wide range of topics. This blog article describes what SIL simulation means and which requirements and challenges it entails.

What is MIL testing in automotive? ›

MIL testing represents a significant leap forward in automotive testing and development. By allowing engineers to simulate and analyze components in a virtual environment, it offers a more efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach to vehicle and component development.

What is meant by functional testing? ›

Functional testing is a type of testing that seeks to establish whether each application feature works as per the software requirements. Each function is compared to the corresponding requirement to ascertain whether its output is consistent with the end user's expectations.

What is functional safety testing automotive? ›

The term functional safety (FuSa) is defined by ISO 26262 as the absence of unacceptable risk due to hazards caused by malfunctioning behavior of E/E (electrical and/or electronic) systems. Related to hardware elements, the goals are to prevent systematic design failures and detect and control random hardware faults.

What is functional assessment test? ›

Functional assessment is an effective way to objectively document a patient's functional status, progress through the episode of care, and justify homebound status. Functional assessment testing can also justify discharge from physical therapy services.

What are functional requirements in automotive? ›

Functional requirements provide a required functionality or service of technical automotive systems. Functional requirements are qualitative. An automotive function is generated through mechanical or electric/electronic artefacts. Thereby it is described „what the system must do“.

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