"NovaCarts Virtual" is a real-time simulation application from MicroNova specifically designed for use in CMR environments (test environments with real and virtual components). The software for (HiL) simulations consists of various components such as hardware drivers, software for vehicle buses and communication protocols.
The application's modular architecture allows NovaCarts Virtual to run on a variety of computing nodes: from bare-metal Intel hardware to local virtual machines and highly scaled cloud configurations.
Since NovaCarts Virtual Hardware is connected via real-time Ethernet, all I/O cards as well as vehicle buses can also be operated from virtual nodes. A cloud-enabled I/O card located close to the control unit can also ensure the real-time operation required for CMR environments.
A major advantage of NovaCarts Virtual Software is that all models are interchangeable between HiL computers and virtual environments without any changes required. This means that simulation models only need to be developed for one platform. A compiled simulation can be used without recompilation on a hardware node (HiL computer), in a local virtual machine, or in a local or commercial cloud environment.
The use of the same configuration tools for all nodes makes the use of NovaCarts Virtual very straightforward. HiL configurations can also be reused to a great extent, dispensing with the need for additional training.
Advantages at a glance:
- Software tried and tested over decades is available on all nodes (even virtual ones). Models do not need to be redeveloped or adapted for virtual environments.
- Binary compatibility of simulations in all environments
- Control of HiL hardware, including from virtual environments for CMR configurations
NovaCarts Virtual Cloud
The "NovaCarts Virtual Cloud" application enables any configuration of NovaCarts HiL components to be operated like a real-time HiL computer. For example, I/O cards and vehicle buses can be operated together with simulations.
With NovaCarts Virtual Cloud, all simulation programs as well as the operating software run in a container and can be operated over the Internet, thus making configurations like those shown in the practical example below possible.
Advantages at a glance:
- Use of modular binary-compatible models reduces effort and shortens development times
- No additional training required thanks to the use of the same configuration tools for all NovaCarts computing nodes
- Wide range of functions and reliable operation thanks to proven NovaCarts components
- Scalability as desired, only limited by the size of the simulation cloud, allowing vehicle networks and wind farms to be represented, too.
- Ready for continuous integration
- Increased efficiency through automated model and test bench configuration
- Remote test stations and e.g. 3D-visualized test bench runs at any location worldwide
- Improved supplier integration with shared software assurance
- New business models through "bookable" test bench times
Practical Example
In this use case, the setup consists of several physical control units, simulation models for vehicle dynamics, and HiL operating software. The test engineer is located several thousand kilometers away from the test setup. Even so, new software components can easily be imported and tests performed remotely. This approach results in significantly increased efficiency. The time-consuming shipping of hardware is no longer necessary, and developers no longer have to worry about maintaining hardware setups, but can instead devote their full attention to the tasks at hand.
