Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 6.19
Test cases executed in CANoe can use a range of interfaces to access the SUT
6.6.4
Testing with Vector CANoe
A number of programs can be used to develop test systems for CAN ECUs and
networks. Here we briefly outline the advantages of automated testing using Vector
Informatics widely used CANoe tool suite. CANoe supports the analysis simulation
and testing of CAN networks. Because vehicle systems tend to encompass bus sys-
tems other than CAN, e.g. MOST for the infotainment system, CANoe is capable of
accessing these buses just like it accesses CAN. This enables comprehensive testing
of the ECU in question. Various interfaces can also be used to address measurement
instruments as well as the hardware interfaces of the SUT and/or the devices in the
SUT's environment (e.g. a climatic chamber; see Fig.
6.19
).
Test automation is an integral part of CANoe. It enables the execution of test
programs that can be formulated in different languages, depending on the applica-
tion, and can support a wide range of test methods (as described in Sect. 6.6.2). The
test program is capable of directly accessing the remaining bus simulation, and can
thus control the SUT's environment directly. It can also access protocol layers, such
as the transport protocol, NM or signal abstraction, which are integrated as DLLs.
To develop automated tests efficiently it is important to choose the right abstrac-
tion layer. Using tried and tested protocol DLLs reduces the likelihood of the TCs
themselves containing errors. Protocol tests and the simulation of certain error con-
ditions require direct access to messages, which is also possible in CANoe.
An ECU's diagnostic and calibration interfaces also play an important role in
testing. These interfaces are the only way of evaluating the ECU's internal state
by means of a test program without modifying the ECU's code. For instance, a
diagnostic interface can be used to check whether the ECU correctly interprets an
externally generated error pattern.
