Signal simulation is commonly used in automobile development to simulate the signal of a digital active wheel speed sensor. With these simulated sensor data various electronic control units, which can digitally process this sensor signal, can be tested either in an existing test system or at test bench. Especially the error simulation, which most signal simulation devices provide, has great importance for the development of modern antilock braking systems (ABS).
Signal simulation in practical use
By means of manipulating the sensor data realistic error situations can be simulated and control unit behavior accordingly be monitored. Especially in the development of new control units signal simulation is used to perform rapid prototyping tests, which are applied to check new control units for their interaction with existing sensors. In this case control units can easily be tested by a realistic sensor signal without having them actually be installed in a complete vehicle system.
Device-dependent functions of signal simulation
Many devices being used for signal simulation are capable of displaying several signal types (signals of cam and crank sensors and of industrial incremental encoders), each with freely adjustable speed signal curves (analogous, static, ramp-wise). The great advantage here is that signal simulation can simulate various sensors installed in vehicle by just only one simulating device.
Premium sector signal simulation technology allows to simulate failures, phase delay of several signals, patterns of swinging in and out of the engine and speed-dependent amplitude. Moreover the application of software makes it easier to configure many parametric options for displaying sensor signals, which among others affect signal pattern.