Implementation of a Real-Time ESC Simulation Environment into a Dynamic Driving Simulator (SiL/DiL)

The Electronic stability control (ESC) is a safety system that helps prevent vehicle skidding and loss of control. ESC systems are usually tested and calibrated on real vehicles, which is costly and time-consuming. This paper presents a novel approach to implement a serial production ESC simulation environment in a dynamic driving simulator. This allows performing objective and subjective evaluations of the ESC system at an early stage of the development process. The hardware and software components of the real-time simulation environment are described, as well as the integration of the ESC system and validation of its functionality. In a pilot study, expert drivers compared the simulated ESC system with the real one in different driving scenarios. The results show that the simulation environment and therefore the dynamic driving simulator can reproduce the behavior and performance of the real ESC system with high fidelity and accuracy, by providing useful feedback about the driving characteristics and stability of the vehicle. To conclude, the approach could reduce the development time and cost of ESC systems, as well as improve their quality and safety.