Simulator simplifies HIL model development

General Motors Powertrain has selected RT-Lab engineering simulators to enable analytical models of both mechanical and control systems to be moved directly into hardware-in-the-loop models.

General Motors Powertrain has selected RT-Lab engineering simulators for facilitating an automotive engineering design process that enables analytical models of both mechanical and control systems to be transitioned directly into hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) models, eliminating the need for custom HIL model development and tools.

In partnership with Imagine Software, Opal-RT has successfully demonstrated to GM Powertrain a proof-of-concept process that shows how models created using Imagine's AMEsim modelling environment can be successfully evolved into HIL models.

Traditionally, such models were not designed to run in real time - a requirement for HIL testing and correlation.

Hence, model conversion has needed to first take place, requiring specialised tools and skills, and further lengthening the overall design process.

Using Opal-RT's flagship product RT-Lab and additional tools built in to the AMEsim environment, model conversion can now follow a defined process that can be executed by the automotive engineers responsible for the initial physical model design.

The Opal-RT/Imagine process provides a number of immediate benefits.

First, deriving physical and HIL models from the same basis streamlines the design process and enhances consistency.

Secondly, there is an order of magnitude of savings in the time and effort required to obtain a correlated HIL model using the Opal-RT/Imagine process.

In addition, traditional processes have dictated that HIL models be developed in an environment such as Simulink, C, or Fortran, requiring specialised skills that will now no longer be necessary.

With the Opal-RT/Imagine process, the same blueprint, namely the physical model, flows from the design of a mechanical system such as an automatic transmission to the test of control system such as the transmission ECU.

"For many years GM Powertrain has developed models for HIL simulation from the ground up.

While HIL has represented an important last step of testing during the overall design process, technology limitations and the requirement for specialised skills and custom tools have not allowed us to fully exploit the benefits of HIL - until now", said Craig Brown, Manager, Electronics Integration and Software, GM Powertrain.

"Opal-RT and Imagine have successfully demonstrated to us how modelling tools can now be used to successfully link mechanical models with control system models early in the design process.

This successful proof of concept takes GM Powertrain in the right engineering direction, and will also lead us to renew the requirements of the suppliers that contribute to our overall automotive design efforts".

"Automotive engineers continue to face the challenge of designing new and better products within shortened development cycles and under strict budgetary pressures.

This challenge has been particularly difficult for engineers developing custom HIL models", said Paul Goossens, Vice President of Marketing, Opal-RT Technologies.

"The lengthy time required for model development and correlation time before development engineers can make use of an HIL simulator is no longer acceptable.

GM's acceptance of the Opal-RT/Imagine proof of concept demonstrates how HIL can play a more significant role in the overall design process, while saving time and money".

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