Hardware-in-the-loop or HiL testing enhances the scope of embedded systems testing by feeding the system simulated input and closely monitoring electronic response of the Unit under Test. This allows for monitoring all conditions, normal and error, and full characterization of the software response. Below is a diagram of how the Promenade Real-Time Test System interfaces to your hardware and a PC.
Phil is a versatile, yet inexpensive embedded test system using the STMicro M4 discovery board, and the Parlaytm embedded codebase. Phil provides a visual and automated way to simulate internal inputs to your embedded system and acquire output signals at for the purpose of testing the system. This combination provides extraordinary test capabilities, normally only available with expensive, difficult test systems.
Phil began as a HiL test system for use by Promenade Development Services for clients that needed characterization and test of their PIC based device. System behavior, including motor position over time, pwm output, voltage and impedance needed to be tracked as the device changed states. The Promenade Parlaytm firmware codebase on the STM M4 evaluation board provided the perfect test tool, as outputs could be driven and complex inputs monitored by connecting a PC via USB and controlling/collecting via Parlaytm Python scripts. While this was an easy extension of Promenade's system, we realized that tools on the market today to perform this type of testing were expensive and cumbersome. Hence, Phil was born.
If you would like us to do your low-level, safety critical testing using Phil, we will be happy to provide that service. However, if you want to do it yourself, Phil provides the perfect tool.
Phil is extensible to all the IO capabilities of the STM32f4 series. That includes SPI/ I2C, RS232, 1 wire attached peripherals and more. It can natively sample at up to 4 khz, but can be customized for faster sampling.
Phil is designed to work with the Parlaytm - Python scripting or the Parlay User Interface.
Phil lets you control the system from the Parlay UI, or Python scripts.
With the Parlay UI you can view and live graph properties, such as GPIO values, analog sensor input. Set DAC output, read accumulated pulses, track encoder position information and current duty cycle% of a PWM. Our widget maker lets you setup a simple UI for anyone to use, with custom buttons, tables, checklists and more.
Python scripts enable the full power Parlay and Python for mathematical computations, data analysis, chart generation, report generation and automated testing.
Phil provides a low cost solution to Hardware-in-the-Loop testing. Below are some examples of what can be done easily- at up to 1000 hz sample rate!
Phil lets you control the system either from the Parlay UI, or via simple Python scripts. Your collected data can be logged and graphed.
Customize Phil to simulate Real-time inputs and monitor outputs
Add control of external equipment via GPIB, Modbus, or custom interface to the Parlay central control.
