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Integrated verification and validation of embedded systems

27. June 2016 | Software & Testing Solutions

Automotive innovations are increasingly derived from advances in control software. As quality requirements remain constant within a growing software environment, more encompassing test activities are required. With the FEV Embedded Systems Test Center (FEST), FEV is pursuing an integrated approach for the verification and validation tasks demanded by embedded systems. FEST scope of activities includes not only the application of various test methods, but also the creation of real-time capable simulation models and the execution of the associated test management methods.

FEST_E

High degree of automation: managing complexity in testing of embedded systems is realized through specific automation routines and data base driven test management

“Test management is among one of the most important disciplines and comprises not only the scheduling of tests along project milestones within the Design Verification Plan & Report (DVP&R),” explains Ralf Maquet, team leader of the FEV Embedded Systems Test Center. “It also includes the subsequent tracking of quality defects as well as the selection of the test methods that are to be applied.” The test manager can access an FEV-developed test catalog that enables a customized selection of test methods for a project on the basis of parameters such as software maturity level or safety classifications according to ISO26262.

Automated testing

As development periods become shorter, an increasing demand is placed on the automated execution of test cases. Testing of software models is accomplished by static analysis or functional unit tests as part of continuous integration. For the automation of Hardware-in-the-Loop tests, the required test scripts can be created from test specifications with an in-house developed toolchain. Project-specific efforts for manual test execution as well as for automation will be minimized. All results will be stored in databases and can be provided to the developer automatically.

Global networking

By involving national and international subsidiaries on several continents, verification and validation tasks can be done not only offshore, but also closely located to the customer. Including international locations not only enables the potential of cost reduction, but also a continuous testing process across various time zones and thus shorter development cycles along with constant test quality.

Virtual Varification and Validation

The already precise simulation models of today allow for the future relocation of applications to a virtual environment. Thus, calibration activities can be started even sooner in the development cycle. Additionally, driving maneuvers can be reproduced exactly and parameters automatically optimized.

Within the FEV Embedded Systems Test Center, FEV is testing a wide variety of automotive control units – for example from the areas of powertrain, infotainment, or telematics. The activities are increasingly focused on the verification and validation of collaborative system networks. The basis for this is the strong crosslinking of various systems – from advanced driver assistance systems to Car2x communication and autonomous vehicles.

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