Hardware-in-the-loop qualification

[mysticfree]

I've built a tester for automotive solenoids that used NI DAQs and a computer.  We simulate the powertrain signal, apply it to the solenoid, measure the pressure response, then save and analyze the data.

Today, I happened across a few NI articles on Hardware-in-the-Loop system.  As I'm trying to understand the HIL concept, I was wondering if our test system qualify as a HIL?

Thank you for your help,

Ron

[User002]

In the sense of stimulating the behavior of the true system,  it is easy to think it is HIL. In my opinion,  HIL is not often well defined other than being a simulation system. 

Properly,  HIL is a simulation of a system ("plant" in control terms) so that you can test the integration of hardware with software of your controller. 

I don't know a lot about your test setup,  but from what I do know,  I might classify it as a component test cell.  That is because it is primarily centered around physical measurements of an actuator. 

Is worth noting that as actuators become smarter,  test cells and HIL systems are having their lines blurred.  

As far as clarifying HIL, I've been thinking about this and working on a blog post. I can post the link here when it's published. 

Does that help? 

[mysticfree]

Thanks, Andrew, it does help.  If I understand you correctly, the 'hardware' term needs to include more than one component. 

For example, I'm testing an automotive solenoid to the signals and environment it would see in a car.  I would need the surrounding transmission and the solenoid before I could can it a HIL system.  Yes?

I look forward to your article.

Thanks again,

Ron