POWERTRAIN HIL TEST BRIEF
Yenra | Updated September 8, 2026
Article: https://yenra.com/electrical-simulator/

PURPOSE
Define one repeatable controller HIL test before choosing timing and model
detail. Use with the controller requirements and approved bench documentation.
This brief covers signal-level controller HIL; power HIL needs its own review.

IDENTITY AND BOUNDARY
Requirement ID and test objective:
Controller hardware/software/build:
Plant model/version and parameter source:
Real hardware in the loop:
Modeled inverter, motor, battery and mechanical subsystems:
Simplifications and validated operating range:
Reference comparison and accepted error limits:

TIMING
Controller sample time (microseconds):
PWM frequency (Hz); period = 1,000,000 / frequency (microseconds):
Plant timestep; worst-case execution time; overrun count:
Event-capture resolution and required dead-time representation:
Measured end-to-end input/computation/output delay and variation:
Fictional check: 10 kHz PWM has a 100 microsecond period.
A 5 microsecond step gives 20 steps/period. A 6 microsecond execution
misses a 5 microsecond deadline. Resolution alone does not establish accuracy.

SIGNAL MAP — repeat per channel
Channel/name and direction:
Physical variable, units, range, sign and offset:
Electrical interface, update rate and calibration:
Clipping/invalid/disconnection behavior:
Timestamp source and alignment:

SCENARIO — repeat per test
Initial speed, torque, supply and controller state:
Stimulus with start time, duration and magnitude:
Expected response:
Numerical pass criteria and their requirement source:
Variables recorded; sample rate; allowed uncertainty:
Reset condition:
Result: PASS / FAIL / MODEL LIMITATION / NOT RUN:
Evidence file and reviewer:

DIAGNOSIS AND RECORD
Check units, sign, clipping, latency, overruns and initial state before
attributing a discrepancy to control logic. Keep the failing configuration.
Archive controller build, model, parameters, interface configuration,
stimulus and result trace together. Record physical-validation needs.
Open issue | next check | owner | date:

REFERENCE CONTEXT
The linked article explains the comparisons and limits. Check exact project or equipment documents before using a specification.
The What, Where and Why of Real-Time Simulation
https://blob.opal-rt.com/medias/L00161_0436.pdf
motor-drive HIL preparation guidance
https://www.opal-rt.com/blog/what-engineering-teams-need-before-launching-a-motor-drive-hil-program/