A Scalable Modular Hardware Architecture for Automated Testing of Automotive Electronic Control Units
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The increasing complexity of automotive electronic systems requires configurable laboratory platforms for Electronic Control Units (ECUs). The conventional test approaches, such as hardware-in-the-loop systems and customized test benches, may require substantial engineering effort when they are adapted to different ECU configurations. This research paper presents the implementation and initial functional laboratory validation of a modular hardware prototype for selected ECU I/O testing tasks. The system utilizes a backplane-based platform that combines application-specific hardware modules for communication, control, input stimulation, switching, and load interfacing. Coordinated operation of the implemented modules is provided by a central controller and a Classical CAN-based request–response protocol. The design allows compatible input and output modules to be replaced or added according to the required I/O configuration, subject to the mechanical, electrical, communication, power, and thermal limitations of the prototype. This research paper also outlines a test execution structure that includes initialization, input stimulation, load connection, module-status reporting, and predefined sequence execution. Initial functional validation was performed in a laboratory environment using a representative Body Control Module (BCM) test scenario. This research does not establish universal ECU compatibility, quantitative scalability, metrological measurement performance, industrial readiness, or equivalence to commercial HIL and modular instrumentation systems. The contribution is therefore limited to the implementation and initial functional validation of the described application-specific prototype.
Source: Automation
Authors: Dumitru-Daniel Bonciog, Adriana Berdich
Institution: Politehnica University of Timisoara
Language: English
Subfield: Control and Systems Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,207
OpenAlex ID: W7225756985