A Search-Based Approach to Functional Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing

The potential of applying search-based testing principles to functional testing has been demonstrated in various cases. The focus was mainly on simulating the system under test using a model or compiled source code in order to evaluate test cases. However, in many cases only the final hardware unit is available for testing. This research presents an approach in which evolutionary functional testing is performed using an actual electronic control unit for test case evaluation. A test environment designed to be used for large-scale industrial systems is introduced. An extensive case study has been carried out to assess its capabilities. Results indicate that the approach proposed in this work is suitable for automated functional testing of embedded control systems within a Hardware-in the-Loop test environment.