Building an engine simulator for ECU testing: challenged to develop an engine simulator for hardware-in-the-loop testing of engine controller modules, engineers turned to FPGA-based reconfigurable I/O boards, enabling real-time simulation with precise, flexible timing and synchronization of I/O signals.(Intelligent Systems)(Woodward Industrial Controls; testing engine control systems )

Sensors Magazine, August, 2003 by Viele, Matt

Woodward Industrial Controls works closely with engine and turbine OEMs to develop efficient control systems. The company provides speed and load controls, as well as emission, generator, compressor, turbocharger, and ignition controls for diesel and natural gas engines, gas and steam turbines, electric power generation systems, and even microturbines and fuel cells. To test a new line of engine controllers, Woodward needed to create a system capable of simulating all the inputs and outputs of a running engine.

Engine Controller Testing

The engine controller is responsible for continually adjusting the ignition (spark), fuel injectors, and other outputs responsible for engine performance (see Figure 1, page 20). It must do this in a real-time...