Vector adds electric motor models to CANoe for early MCU testing

Vector has introduced a new option for its CANoe test environment, specifically targeting early-stage validation of electric motor control units. The CANoe Model Option Electric Motor is a tool designed to enable developers to test motor control strategies even before physical motor hardware is available. This development is particularly significant for professionals in the automotive and industrial electrification sectors, as it helps address a common bottleneck in the development process: validating control software and fault behavior at an early stage without the need for high-power test benches or real motors.

The CANoe Model Option Electric Motor comes equipped with preconfigured physical simulation models that cover a range of common motor types, including permanent magnet synchronous motors, brushless DC motors, induction motors, and conventional DC motors. These models are designed to close the control loop and generate realistic input signals for the motor control unit being tested. By operating at the signal level rather than the power level, the setup avoids the need for high currents and voltages, making it a safer and more efficient testing environment.

Enhanced Simulation Capabilities

One of the key features of this new option is its ability to run simulations on the FPGA of Vector’s VT5838 Multi-IO module using high-frequency pulse-width modulated signals. This setup allows developers to test control algorithms under normal operating conditions and even introduce fault scenarios via CANoe at an early stage of development. By providing a realistic simulation environment, developers can gain valuable insights into the performance of their motor control strategies before physical implementation.

Vector emphasizes the ease of configuration and integration with the CANoe Model Option Electric Motor. The preconfigured models can be loaded onto the FPGA module with a single step and then customized within CANoe to match the specific characteristics of a particular motor. For more complex scenarios, developers have the option to use open models based on a Simulink library, enabling the addition of components such as sensors or inverters to further enhance the simulation environment.

Versatile Application and Validation

This new option from Vector is targeted at engineers working on motor control units for both actuators and traction applications. To facilitate system-level validation, the setup can be expanded by incorporating a virtual test drive using Vector’s DYNA4 vehicle dynamics environment. By combining these tools, developers can optimize and validate their control strategies earlier in the development cycle, potentially reducing the effort required for integration at later stages. Overall, the CANoe Model Option Electric Motor offers a comprehensive solution for early-stage validation of electric motor control units, providing a valuable resource for developers in the automotive and industrial electrification sectors.