Simplify testing with integrated recording and simulation
Testing modern electronic systems today is much more than simply recording data. Engineers must reliably simulate real-world conditions, generate custom test signals, and simulate boundary situations to verify system performance in areas such as testing ECUs, embedded systems, and power electronics. Data recorders equipped with signal generator modules can capture and generate signals at the same time. The integration of these functions enables a seamless transition between measurement and simulation and supports a wide range of test scenarios with a single instrument.
Figure 1: Capture real signals, recreate them, and simulate boundary conditions - all with the MR6000 memory recorder
This article presents three practical examples of the use of this dual function:
- reproducing recorded waveforms - allows accurate system verification by reproducing real events under laboratory conditions
- creating custom waveforms - for simulating boundary conditions and designing tests beyond recorded data
- anomaly insertion - to simulate disturbances and fluctuations when testing extreme conditions
Reproduction of real conditions: Playback of measured signals
Free signal generation using accurate simulation
When real signals are not available or specific test conditions need to be created, custom signals can be designed directly on the MR6000 platform or using the SF8000 Waveform Maker software. This allows engineers to simulate accurate waveforms and generate arbitrary signals for signal integrity testing or hardware-in-the-loop validation. They have full control over signal parameters such as waveform type, amplitude, frequency and sequence - which is especially useful in situations that are difficult to reproduce in the field.
Example: a developer working on a throttle control system can simulate a continuous ramp signal. These custom inputs allow the performance, control behavior and stability of the system to be evaluated under well-defined and repeatable conditions. The generated signals can then be output using compatible generator modules, supporting a wide range of test scenarios - from simple functional checks to stress and time analyses.
Figure 2: Programming and downstream waveform generation allows complete control over the data
Boundary State Testing: Anomaly Insertion
Another important option is to modify the recorded signals or create waveforms that intentionally contain anomalies - for example, voltage dips, abrupt transients or noise pulses. This is essential for verifying system robustness under extreme or non-ideal conditions.
Engineers can simulate faults that are difficult to capture in the field, test responses to power outages, or create the conditions needed for safety and reliability tests. By embedding anomalies, system behavior and robustness can be better understood - whether based on recorded measurements or completely artificial waveforms.
When signal acquisition, generation, and output are unified in a single platform such as the MR6000, test processes are greatly streamlined and unified.
Figure 3: HIOKI SF8000 Waveform Maker software enables waveform generation and editing
The right tools: choosing the ideal generator module
Figure 4: Each module is designed for a different type of output signal
Depending on the signal type, the appropriate module and compatible data recorder are selected. Whether analog, digital or sensor signals, HIOKI DAQ systems offer a solution for every application.
- analog waveforms (sine, pulse, custom waveforms) - arbitrary waveform generator
- digital signals, such as control pulses and logic patterns - generated by the pulse generator
- simulation of sensor outputs such as voltage, current or resistance - provided by the sensor simulation module