Compact test solution for validation of next-gen vehicle systems
As vehicle architectures continue to evolve toward software-defined, highly automated and safety-critical systems, the need for efficient and realistic validation environments is greater than ever. IPG Automotive is expanding its portfolio of test system solutions with two new compact platforms: Brake-in-the-Loop Lite and Steering-in-the-Loop Lite.
These turnkey solutions enable engineers to validate complete brake and steering systems under reproducible laboratory conditions while seamlessly integrating with the CarMaker ecosystem and existing hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), driver-in-the-loop (DIL) and advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) validation environments.
Brake-in-the-Loop Lite: Bringing real brake systems into virtual test driving
Modern brake systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated: Today, they can incorporate brake-by-wire architectures, integrated power brake systems, electromechanical brakes and advanced safety functions. Validating these systems early and efficiently is therefore essential.
The new Brake-in-the-Loop Lite test system is a compact solution designed for the validation of real brake ECUs including the hydraulic components for ADAS- and AV-related test cases without the need for an external pedal actuator. By focusing on ECU-controlled brake pressure generation, the system provides a cost-efficient and flexible platform to test brake functionality and system interactions.
Key benefits:
Validation of complete brake systems, including brake-by-wire and electromechanical brake (EMB) architectures
Compact design without a pedal actuator, reducing complexity and footprint
Integration with ADAS and chassis HIL environments
Suitable for driver-in-the-loop and system integration platforms
Ready for safety-critical and automated braking validation
Steering-in-the-Loop Lite: Compact and effective steering system validation
Alongside brake systems, steering technologies are undergoing rapid transformation, driven by ADAS, automated driving functions and X-by-wire innovations.
The new Steering-in-the-Loop Lite addresses these challenges with a compact, cost-effective solution for testing complete steering systems. The platform utilizes a high-performance force- and position-controlled linear actuator to reproduce steering rack loads with high accuracy under defined and repeatable laboratory conditions.
Key benefits:
Complete steering system validation including EPS ECU testing
Compact footprint suitable for laboratories and office environments
Realistic rack force reproduction using physical tire simulation models such as CDTire
Support for driver-in-the-loop integration
Cost-efficient solution with a single rack actuator design
Greater value through integrated testing
A key strength of both Lite systems is their ability to operate within a broader virtual test driving ecosystem. Powered by the Xpack Real-time System and integrated with CarMaker, both solutions support interdisciplinary testing across vehicle domains and can be coupled with additional test benches for comprehensive system-level validation.
This enables development teams to assess complex interactions between steering, braking, ADAS functions and autonomous vehicle controllers in a realistic virtual environment long before physical prototypes are available. By integrating real hardware into CarMaker-based test setups, engineers can identify system-level issues early and accelerate development cycles.
In addition, Brake-in-the-Loop Lite and Steering-in-the-Loop Lite support the validation of functions relevant to Euro NCAP scenarios, including automated emergency braking (AEB), lane keeping assist (LKA) and other automated driving functions. This helps ensure reliable system behavior under realistic and reproducible test conditions.
Find out more information on our Brake-in-the-Loop Lite product page.