Simulate Hardware-in-the-Loop on Your Desktop

dSPACE Inc. has introduced the SCALEXIO LabBox, a compact system that connects with its SCALEXIO Processing Unit to provide developers a high-performance, desktop-sized setup for early hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) function testing.

SCALEXIO Processing Units are modular systems that serve as the computing core of a SCALEXIO HIL simulator. During an HIL simulation, SCALEXIO allows for a highly precise real-time simulation of computationally intensive models, according to the company. They support a high number of I/O functions as well as such bus and network systems as CAN, CAN FD, LIN, FlexRay and Ethernet. SCALEXIO systems can also be coupled with other dSPACE HIL simulators.

The new SCALEXIO LabBox from dSPACE is a compact, desktop-sized system for early function testing of real-time hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) applications when coupled with a dSPACE SCALEXIO Processing Unit. The SCALEXIO LabBox can be fitted with up to 18 I/O cards. Image courtesy of dSPACE Inc.

dSPACE describes its SCALEXIO LabBox as a flexible system made up of a LabBox system and a SCALEXIO Processing Unit. The LabBox has slots for up to 18 I/O boards as well as one system slot. From the LabBox system’s front-side flap, users can swap I/O boards in and out as needed for different project requirements. I/O boards available for the SCALEXIO LabBox cover the entire range of functions from simple digital or analog I/O to complex I/O functions for engine simulation and automotive bus systems, according to the company.

The LabBox connects to the SCALEXIO Processing Unit using dSPACE’s proprietary IOCNET (I/O Carrier Network) networking technology. IOCNET, the company says, was developed for and is optimized specifically to meet the requirements of real-time applications, particularly in terms of latency and bandwidth. Through an IOCNET Router, users can extend their SCALEXIO LabBox setups further with more I/O or computing power by linking in additional LabBoxes or SCALEXIO Processing Units.

The SCALEXIO Processing Unit is the computing core of a SCALEXIO hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulator, connecting the real-time model with the relevant I/O. Image courtesy of dSPACE Inc.

Users specify SCALEXIO LabBox I/O channels with the company’s ConfigurationDesk configuration and implementation software. This, says dSPACE, makes it possible to quickly modify the system according to changing project requirements and to decrease iteration times. The configurations created in ConfigurationDesk can be reused with larger SCALEXIO HIL simulators.

The desktop SCALEXIO LabBox system unit measures 16.68x7.6x15.51 in. (449x193x394 mm). Its weight without boards is 24.9 lb. (11.3 kg), and its ambient temperature range is 32-122 °F (0-50 °C). It has temperature-controlled active cooling and the system ground is isolated from earth ground.

ConfigurationDesk configuration and implementation software for SCALEXIO hardware provides users with a graphical interface to configure real-time hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) applications as well as manage signal paths and implement code for behavior models and I/O functions. Image courtesy of dSPACE Inc.

SCALEXIO Processing Units feature a 3.5GHz Intel Xeon E3 processor, 4GB of RAM and 8MB L3 cache. They measure 19x5.2x15.7 in. (483x133x400 mm).

The SCALEXIO LabBox is also available in a rack-mount version for use in a 19-in. simulator rack. The desktop version can be converted into a rack-mount version and vice versa.

For further details on the SCALEXIO LabBox, click here.

Go here for details on SCALEXIO Processing Units.

Go here for details on IOCNET networking technology.

Go here for details on ConfigurationDesk software.

See why DE’s editors selected the SCALEXIO LabBox as their Pick of the Week.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.