Driverless cars 

NI has created a unified test system architecture that allows engineers to move iteratively between data replay and hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) testing (writes Nick Flaherty). 

HiL is used extensively to validate the perception, planning and control algorithms running on ECUs in autonomous driving (AD). 

The NI Replay and HiL AD system can combine and inject real-world road test data or simulation scenarios to test the ECUs. By providing a unified toolchain, common hardware configurations and test automation infrastructure across the development workflow, engineers can improve test coverage and so reduce the development and test times. 

The Replay part of the system has to feed the HiL system with external data in the same way as it would be done with the vehicle during actual test drives. This is used to increase test coverage reliability and repeatability through direct injection techniques to insert faults, frame delays and more into the sensor bitstream.

The Replay element links to the AD controller through multiple I/O and automotive bus signals, with tight control over timing and data synchronisation. This also has to be adaptable for future I/O and test requirements as systems continue to add more cameras, radar, Lidar and other sensor types.

NI uses an open architecture to provide full validation test coverage for AD functions, making existing data more usable throughout the entire product lifecycle.

Module interface and processing cards using the PXI standard provide hardware and software fault location with nanosecond synchronisation and timing control for a reliable execution of test cases. Modular hardware generates signals to emulate radar objects, camera interfaces, vehicle bus traffic and-general purpose I/Os to test sensor fusion on the AD controller.

An open software approach enables interfaces and sourcing data from IT infrastructure and cloud service providers such as Microsoft Azure, AWS and Seagate. This creates the unified test system architecture that gives the ability to move back and forth between data replay and HiL testing with the same system and a single toolchain for data recording, HiL and test coverage.

Developer ZF Mobility Solutions is using the connected workflow and HiL system for AD development.