BMW to use dSPACE’s HIL simulator with new all-electric iX SUV

BMW Group to exclusively use and validate dSPACE's Hardware-in-the-loop simulator in its upcoming next-generation vehicle

By Autocar Professional Bureau

29 Sep 2021

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The all-electric iX marks BMW’s entry into the electric SUV segment.

dSPACE, which provides simulation and verification solutions for the development of networked, autonomous and electric vehicles, has signed a contract with the BMW Group to exclusively use and validate dSPACE's 'HIL (Hardware-in-the-loop) simulator' in its upcoming next-generation vehicle. announced on September 29. This is the BMW iX, the carmaker’s entry in the electric SUV segment.

In this regard, dSPACE has further strengthened the partnership it has built up over the years with the BMW Group in the field of simulation and verification. The dSPACE HIL simulator, consisting of hardware and software, will be used for integrated testing of various fields such as electric drive units, memory and energy management, vehicle dynamics systems and driver assistance systems at BMW Group's worldwide development centers. This contract is the largest among dSPACE contracts.

Martin Goetzeler, CEO of the dSPACE Group, said: “The BMW Group is very pleased to trust dSPACE's expertise in the development of next-generation vehicles and to work with us once again. This will be a decisive opportunity to further strengthen the cooperative relationship that dSPACE and the BMW Group have built up over the years.”

Through this agreement, dSPACE will provide a complete verification system comprising SCALEXIO-based hardware and software. SCALEXIO, a powerful real-time test system from dSPACE, supports comprehensive bus and network communications, allowing it to be optimally integrated into the car manufacturer's development process.

This enables manufacturers to create realistic test environments and perform highly automated verification of vehicle electronics. The BMW Group has been using dSPACE's HIL systems for over 25 years and is working with dSPACE to further advance the HIL technology.

Automakers and suppliers use dSPACE's various end-to-end solutions to test the software and hardware components that will be installed in new vehicles long before new models are released.