Feature: T&M


In each phase developers iterate through planning, execution and evaluation, subdivided into additional stages to address new challenges as they are discovered. By incorporating testing into the development process, mistakes are captured early and developers can abandon or modify an approach to a problem before it becomes deeply embedded in the project.


Systems and components Tere are two inter-related challenges in automotive electronic system design and test, which taken together give rise to a third challenge. Firstly, there is the testing of


components in isolation. How do you provide realistic inputs and measure outputs without road testing? Road testing is possible, but it’s time-


consuming, non-repeatable and non- controllable, not to mention expensive. Test rigs are a well-established method for testing individual components, but the challenge is creating as realistic a test environment as possible, with high-fidelity signals that replicate the real-world challenges. Ten there are the changing demands


of different stakeholder groups, including vehicle designers, regulators and consumers, and the sheer technical system complexity they require. Finally and related to the previous two


challenges, we tend to treat components and systems as distinct stages in the design process, but the lines are becoming increasingly blurred. Traditionally, components are designed


and tested for specific functionality and certified for specific standards. Ten these components are packaged, on the assumption that they will perform within a system as expected. However, as the industry has learned


repeatedly to its detriment, unexpected performance issues not identified in testing can lead to significant delays or even product recalls, as issues are identified in production or, even worse, by the customer.


Integrated testing Ten the level of complexity grows, since systems tend to integrate hardware and


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This problem led software engineers to develop a new, more flexible way of working, a methodology recognising that complexity itself is a design constraint


soſtware from various suppliers. To achieve seamless operation, engineers need equipment to build and test iteratively, with each iteration used to test cross-functionality and stability, eventually leading to testing the system as a whole. With the average vehicle having at least


150 electronic control units (at present), with continuous test, problems can be identified early to create a solid foundation on which to build subsequent phases. Hence, the backbone of continuous testing is the right test equipment. Key considerations are capabilities and performance. A broad range of capabilities means more functions can be tested in more scenarios and with a greater degree of realism than otherwise possible. Tis will guarantee that any errors or flaws are caused by the device under test and not the test equipment itself. Precision, consistency and application-specific parameters, such as latency for hardware-in-the-loop testing, are all critical to achieving this.


Real-world road tests At Spirent we believe that real-world road tests are not an effective way to test during development. Real-world testing has its place, but it is most effective at the end of the process, aſter all the engineering problems have been resolved. With the right test equipment in the lab, repeatability and realism can be combined whilst testing in many more signal environments than possible in the real world. Tis allows designers to quickly make modifications and quantify any changes in performance, saving valuable engineering hours and money. After getting the bugs out, road testing confirms that your lab results agree with vehicle inputs and outputs in the real world. By incorporating a comprehensive testing


system into your development program, any unpleasant surprises that arise when testing can be safely avoided.


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