Key Use Cases
Tools in Detail
LABCAR
Complete HIL simulation system for ECU testing. Modular rack-based architecture with real-time processor, I/O boards, and fault injection capability. Widely used for powertrain ECU testing.
LABCAR-OPERATOR
The experiment control and automation software for LABCAR. Provides test execution, signal monitoring, fault injection control, and integration with test management tools.
LABCAR-MODEL
Plant model library for LABCAR containing validated simulation models for engines, transmissions, vehicle dynamics, and electrical systems. Integrates with Simulink model imports.
ES820
High-precision analog and digital I/O module for LABCAR. Provides signal conditioning, sensor simulation, and actuator load simulation for ECU pin-level testing.
ES600
Network interface module providing CAN, CAN FD, LIN, and FlexRay bus access for LABCAR. Enables remaining bus simulation alongside physical ECU testing.
ES400 Series
Compact measurement modules for vehicle-level data acquisition. Battery-powered, ruggedized for in-vehicle use, with CAN, analog, and digital inputs.
DRIVE Recorder
Autonomous high-bandwidth data recorder for capturing vehicle bus data, video, and sensor signals during test drives. Supports time-synchronized multi-channel recording.
Industry Context
While dSPACE dominates overall HIL, ETAS LABCAR is strong at Bosch and its supplier ecosystem. LABCAR's advantage is tight integration with INCA for calibration, ISOLAR for AUTOSAR configuration, and RTA for the software stack - creating a unified environment where data flows seamlessly between development, calibration, and validation. The data logging side is equally important: modern vehicle development generates terabytes of measurement data during test drives, requiring robust logging hardware.
Typical Workflow
LABCAR provides HIL validation with real-time plant models. LABCAR-OPERATOR controls experiments interactively. INCA connects to the ECU on the HIL bench for simultaneous calibration and testing. After HIL validation, ES400 loggers and ES600/ES820 systems record test drive data. For ADAS, DRIVE Recorder captures full sensor datasets. MDA provides offline analysis, feeding results back into the calibration loop.
Selection Guide
Pro Tips
Start with ETAS pre-built plant models and customize rather than building from scratch.
Configure ES400 loggers with ring-buffer recording and event-triggered markers.
Leverage INCA-LABCAR integration to calibrate while observing HIL responses.
Ensure time synchronization between all sensors and vehicle CAN for ADAS data collection.
Use MDA calculated channels to derive complex quantities from raw measurements.