Usage of CASE-tools and hardware-in-the-loop-simulation to develop vehicle systems

Shorter development times, tighter budgets and less manpower has resulted in the increasing use of CASE-Tools for product development. In the automobile industry these products are usually mechatronic systems. The development of a new system results in new functons having to be developed for the system. These functions are usually implemented in the form of an additional or a modified electronic control unit which will eventually be connected into the electronic control unit network. Hit-Simulation provides the means of developing and testing these functions by modelling the mechanical components which are either not available (in development) or those which are at risk of being damaged during the function development stage.