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hil-test-automation skill

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This skill enables hardware-in-the-loop ECU validation and regression testing automation, integrating dSPACE, NI, and plant models for reliable, automated test

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SKILL.md
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---
name: hil-test-automation
description: Hardware-in-the-loop test development and automation expertise
allowed-tools:
  - Read
  - Write
  - Glob
  - Grep
  - Edit
  - WebFetch
  - WebSearch
  - Bash
metadata:
  version: "1.0"
  category: automotive-engineering
  tags:
    - testing
    - hil
    - automation
    - validation
---

# HIL Test Automation Skill

## Purpose
Provide hardware-in-the-loop test development and automation expertise for comprehensive ECU validation and regression testing.

## Capabilities
- dSPACE ControlDesk/AutomationDesk scripting
- NI TestStand/LabVIEW integration
- Plant model integration (ASM, CarSim, GT-SUITE)
- Test case generation from requirements
- Fault injection test design
- Signal manipulation and residual bus simulation
- Regression test automation
- Test report generation

## Usage Guidelines
- Develop plant models with appropriate fidelity
- Generate test cases from requirements traceability
- Implement fault injection for safety validation
- Automate regression testing for continuous integration
- Document test procedures and acceptance criteria
- Generate comprehensive test reports

## Dependencies
- dSPACE HIL
- NI PXI/VeriStand
- Vector VT System

## Process Integration
- TVL-002: Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing
- ADA-004: Simulation and Virtual Validation
- SAF-001: Functional Safety Development (ISO 26262)

Overview

This skill provides hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test development and automation expertise focused on ECU validation and regression testing. It bundles scripting and integration patterns for dSPACE, NI TestStand/LabVIEW, plant model integration, and automated reporting. The skill emphasizes deterministic, resumable orchestration for repeatable test workflows.

How this skill works

It inspects test objectives and requirements, then generates and orchestrates HIL test sequences using dSPACE ControlDesk/AutomationDesk scripts or NI TestStand flows. The skill integrates plant models (ASM, CarSim, GT-SUITE), applies fault injection and signal manipulation, and runs deterministic, resumable automation for regression cycles. Result artifacts include pass/fail outcomes, logs, and structured test reports for traceability.

When to use it

  • Validating ECU functionality against requirements before release
  • Automating regression test suites in CI pipelines
  • Designing and validating fault-injection scenarios for safety cases
  • Integrating plant models for system-level HIL validation
  • Generating test cases from requirements for traceability and audit

Best practices

  • Develop plant models with fidelity matched to the test objective to avoid false positives
  • Maintain requirements traceability so test cases map directly to acceptance criteria
  • Use deterministic sequencing and resumable orchestration to ensure reproducible test runs
  • Automate regression tests but preserve manual checkpoints for critical safety scenarios
  • Document test procedures, fault profiles, and acceptance criteria in version control

Example use cases

  • Create an automated regression suite for an engine control ECU using dSPACE HIL and CarSim plant models
  • Implement fault injection scenarios to validate ISO 26262 safety goals and verify diagnostic coverage
  • Generate TestStand sequences from requirements for supplier validation and handover
  • Automate signal bus simulation and residual network scenarios to stress communication handlers
  • Produce structured test reports for release artifacts and certification evidence

FAQ

Which HIL platforms does the skill support?

Primary support includes dSPACE HIL and NI PXI/VeriStand integrations; Vector VT systems can be used for bus simulation.

Can it generate test cases from requirements?

Yes. The skill maps requirements to test cases and produces traceable test sequences and acceptance checks.