A Perspective on Software-in-the-Loop and Hardware-in-the-Loop Within Digital Twin Frameworks for Automotive Lighting Systems
The increasing complexity of modern automotive lighting systems requires advanced validation strategies that ensure both functional performance and regulatory compliance. This study presents a structured integration of Software-in-the-Loop (SiL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) testing within a digita...
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MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| author | George Balan Philipp Neninger Enrique Ruiz Zúñiga Elena Serea Dorin-Dumitru Lucache Alexandru Sălceanu |
| author_facet | George Balan Philipp Neninger Enrique Ruiz Zúñiga Elena Serea Dorin-Dumitru Lucache Alexandru Sălceanu |
| author_sort | George Balan |
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| description | The increasing complexity of modern automotive lighting systems requires advanced validation strategies that ensure both functional performance and regulatory compliance. This study presents a structured integration of Software-in-the-Loop (SiL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) testing within a digital twin (DT) framework for validating headlamp systems. A gated validation process (G10–G120) is proposed, aligning each development phase with corresponding simulation stages from early requirements and concept validation to real-world scenario testing and continuous integration. A key principle of this approach is the adoption of a framework built upon the V-Cycle, adapted to integrate DT technology with SiL and HiL workflows. This architectural configuration ensures a continuous data flow between the physical system, the digital twin, and embedded software components, enabling real-time feedback, iterative model refinement, and traceable system verification throughout the development lifecycle. The paper also explores strategies for effective DT integration, such as digital twin-as-a-service, which combines virtual testing with physical validation to support earlier fault detection, streamlined simulation workflows, and reduced dependency on physical prototypes during lighting system development. Unlike the existing literature, which often treats SiL, HiL, and DTs in isolation, this work proposes a unified, domain-specific validation framework. The methodology addresses a critical gap by aligning simulation-based testing with development milestones and regulatory standards, offering a foundation for industrial adoption. |
| format | Article |
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| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2076-3417 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| spelling | doaj-art-7e075aa2efb342a2985f2227e997df3a2025-08-20T03:36:35ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-07-011515844510.3390/app15158445A Perspective on Software-in-the-Loop and Hardware-in-the-Loop Within Digital Twin Frameworks for Automotive Lighting SystemsGeorge Balan0Philipp Neninger1Enrique Ruiz Zúñiga2Elena Serea3Dorin-Dumitru Lucache4Alexandru Sălceanu5Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Technical University of “Gheorghe Asachi” Iasi, 700050 Iași, RomaniaInstitute of Energy Efficient Mobility, University of Applied Sciences Karlsruhe, 76133 Karlsruhe, GermanySchool of Engineering Science, University of Skövde, 541 28 Skövde, SwedenFaculty of Electrical Engineering, Technical University of “Gheorghe Asachi” Iasi, 700050 Iași, RomaniaFaculty of Electrical Engineering, Technical University of “Gheorghe Asachi” Iasi, 700050 Iași, RomaniaFaculty of Electrical Engineering, Technical University of “Gheorghe Asachi” Iasi, 700050 Iași, RomaniaThe increasing complexity of modern automotive lighting systems requires advanced validation strategies that ensure both functional performance and regulatory compliance. This study presents a structured integration of Software-in-the-Loop (SiL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) testing within a digital twin (DT) framework for validating headlamp systems. A gated validation process (G10–G120) is proposed, aligning each development phase with corresponding simulation stages from early requirements and concept validation to real-world scenario testing and continuous integration. A key principle of this approach is the adoption of a framework built upon the V-Cycle, adapted to integrate DT technology with SiL and HiL workflows. This architectural configuration ensures a continuous data flow between the physical system, the digital twin, and embedded software components, enabling real-time feedback, iterative model refinement, and traceable system verification throughout the development lifecycle. The paper also explores strategies for effective DT integration, such as digital twin-as-a-service, which combines virtual testing with physical validation to support earlier fault detection, streamlined simulation workflows, and reduced dependency on physical prototypes during lighting system development. Unlike the existing literature, which often treats SiL, HiL, and DTs in isolation, this work proposes a unified, domain-specific validation framework. The methodology addresses a critical gap by aligning simulation-based testing with development milestones and regulatory standards, offering a foundation for industrial adoption.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/15/8445digital twinsoftware-in-the-loophardware-in-the-loopautomotiveheadlamps |
| spellingShingle | George Balan Philipp Neninger Enrique Ruiz Zúñiga Elena Serea Dorin-Dumitru Lucache Alexandru Sălceanu A Perspective on Software-in-the-Loop and Hardware-in-the-Loop Within Digital Twin Frameworks for Automotive Lighting Systems Applied Sciences digital twin software-in-the-loop hardware-in-the-loop automotive headlamps |
| title | A Perspective on Software-in-the-Loop and Hardware-in-the-Loop Within Digital Twin Frameworks for Automotive Lighting Systems |
| title_full | A Perspective on Software-in-the-Loop and Hardware-in-the-Loop Within Digital Twin Frameworks for Automotive Lighting Systems |
| title_fullStr | A Perspective on Software-in-the-Loop and Hardware-in-the-Loop Within Digital Twin Frameworks for Automotive Lighting Systems |
| title_full_unstemmed | A Perspective on Software-in-the-Loop and Hardware-in-the-Loop Within Digital Twin Frameworks for Automotive Lighting Systems |
| title_short | A Perspective on Software-in-the-Loop and Hardware-in-the-Loop Within Digital Twin Frameworks for Automotive Lighting Systems |
| title_sort | perspective on software in the loop and hardware in the loop within digital twin frameworks for automotive lighting systems |
| topic | digital twin software-in-the-loop hardware-in-the-loop automotive headlamps |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/15/8445 |
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