Powertrain systems
We deliver the most powerful, open, and flexible powertrain HIL testing systems designed to improve time-to-market and manage system complexity in the rapidly transforming automotive industry. Our systems can easily be customized to adapt to changing research requirements by combining modular hardware and off-the-shelf components. Our solutions are backed by our expertise in highly customized and complex testbeds, and training modules based on the world’s most advanced automotive applications.
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Solution
Validate your powertrain system with OPAL-RT
Optimize, test, and validate your powertrain system with our advanced tools and services. From high-fidelity real-time powertrain simulation to cutting-edge FPGA solutions, we provide the flexibility and precision needed for modern powertrain development.
Real-time simulator
All our simulators support MATLAB/SIMULINK™, where battery, high fidelity power electronics, motor, and virtual control unit models can all be simulated deterministically. Seamlessly introduce faulting into your parameter sets and log your data for processing within minutes.
High-accuracy solver on FPGA with eHS
Run the highest fidelity inverter and machine topologies on FPGAs using our easily reconfigurable eHS without the time sink of developing and recompiling VHDL code.
Services
Extend your testbed functionalities with our engineering services–from extra protection, shunt emulation, break-out boxes, and current and voltage sensing to complete vehicle control, battery management systems testing, powertrain testing, or autonomous systems integration.
Demo
Testing multiple ECUs in one test bench
In this demo, learn how to implement model-based power electronics simulation on FPGA and prepare a HIL system allowing for high performance paired with flexibility for rapid test changes.
This demonstration features power electronics and electric motors simulated on an NI FPGA using our Power Electronics Add-On for NI VeriStand used to validate a Pi-Innovo ECU, as well as MATLAB/SIMULINK™ battery models imported into VeriStand and CAN used to communicate with battery cell simulators to validate an ORION BMS. Prototype and validate your control algorithms throughout your design process using only one test bench.
Resources
Accelerating electric transportation development, testing, and validation
Transportation manufacturers and suppliers are continually seeking to decrease production costs and time-to-market. Learn from well-known industry experts how our hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation system provides them a flexible and comprehensive development, test, and validation environment to achieve their goals. Get insight into the challenges, benefits, and technology trends rapidly transforming the transportation industry.
More Fidelity
Expand to powertrain emulation
D&V’s power amplifiers and emulators are available with our real-time simulators, offering engineers greatly increased accuracy and testing capabilities. These dynamic technologies are ideal for simulating electric/hybrid vehicles and their components, such as battery packs, chargers, inverters, and high-voltage DC power systems.
Products
The essentials for automotive testing
Discover the tools that professionals depend on for accurate and precise testing. Ensure optimal performance with our products.
Ultra-Fast EMT Simulation and HIL Testing
eHS
Advanced FPGA technology for high-fidelity, low-latency, power systems and power electronics simulation, enabling HIL testing across energy, automotive, aerospace, and industrial applications.
Multi-Domain, Simulink®-based HIL
RT-LAB
Fully integrated with MATLAB/Simulink® and best combined with our various toolboxes to bring multi-domain Simscape™ Electrical™ and SimPowerSystems models to real time for fast control development.
High-end Simulator
OP5707XG
Unequalled level of performance in a co-simulation platform, featuring an AMD Virtex™-7 FPGA and up to 44 cores of the latest Intel® Xeon® CPUs, both required for power systems and power electronics applications.
FAQ
Find the answers to your questions
What communication protocols do you support?
Consult our comprehensive list of supported protocols here: Communication Protocols.
What are the core benefits of OPAL-RT’s powertrain test systems for automotive powertrain testing?
Our powertrain test systems are built to address the complexity of modern vehicle development by delivering open, customizable, and scalable Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing solutions. Designed for automotive powertrain testing, these systems streamline the validation process, reduce time-to-market, and allow you to manage system complexity effectively. By combining modular hardware with off-the-shelf components, the platforms facilitate robust powertrain testing and offer the adaptability required for evolving research needs—all while ensuring precision in every test scenario.
How does OPAL-RT’s powertrain simulation software enhance vehicle powertrain simulation?
Our powertrain simulation software leverages high-fidelity, real-time environments that support MATLAB/SIMULINK™ models, including batteries, power electronics, motors, and virtual control units. This comprehensive setup enables deterministic simulation of diverse vehicle powertrain behaviors making it an essential tool for vehicle powertrain simulation. By offering an integrated and flexible framework, engineers can introduce dynamic faulting, capture accurate data logs, and optimize control strategies all of which contribute to reducing design risks and improving overall system reliability.
What is powertrain HIL testing, and how does it improve automotive powertrain testing outcomes?
Powertrain HIL testing involves integrating real-time simulation with physical hardware components to create a highly realistic test environment for vehicle powertrains. Our platform makes use of advanced FPGA solutions (like the eHS high-accuracy solver) to emulate inverter and electric motor behaviors, thereby providing a direct link between simulation models and physical test elements. This approach enables engineers to validate control strategies and analyze system responses under simulated operational stresses ensuring robust performance during automotive powertrain testing. The result is increased accuracy in testing, faster iterations, and improved reliability of the final product.
How are OPAL-RT’s powertrain test systems integrated with National Instruments (NI) platforms?
We have developed our powertrain test systems with a strong emphasis on compatibility and flexibility. By integrating with NI’s hardware, these systems allow seamless connection with existing lab and test environments. This integration supports powertrain simulation for a wide range of vehicle applications using standardized communication protocols and off-the-shelf components to help simplify setup and scalability. Whether you’re conducting vehicle powertrain simulation or performing powertrain HIL testing, the combined strength of OPAL-RT and NI platforms creates a highly effective testbed that can be customized and rapidly reconfigured to meet evolving automotive research and development demands.
What additional services does OPAL-RT offer to extend its powertrain simulation and testing capabilities?
Beyond its high-fidelity simulation and HIL testing platforms, we offer a range of engineering services designed to extend and enhance your powertrain test systems. These services include design enhancements like extra protection circuits, shunt emulation, break-out boxes, and precise current/voltage sensing solutions. They also offer complete integration support for subsystems such as battery management systems, testing, and autonomous systems integration. This comprehensive suite of services ensures that every aspect of powertrain simulation and automotive powertrain testing is covered, helping you achieve robust, reliable, and market-ready solutions.
Let’s get to work
Whether you need more details or have a specific question, our experts are here to help. Contact us today for personalized support.