IPG Automotive Sets New Standards in Virtual Vehicle Development with CarMaker 15.0
With the release 15.0 of the CarMaker product family, IPG Automotive presents the latest version of the company’s simulation software. This version enhances the capabilities of virtual vehicle development through optimized integration of virtual control units, which enable software and system tests at very early development stages. In addition, users benefit from new functions for ADAS and AV as well as improved endurance testing.
With the CarMaker product family, extensive tests required for modern vehicle development can be performed in the virtual world and thus help save time and costs. Smart test strategies and a seamless development process are decisive in this context. For this reason, the latest version consolidates the integration between CarMaker and Synopsys Silver. The extended integration of virtual ECUs (vECUs) enables software and system tests at the earliest stages of development. With direct access to the Silver virtual bus (SVB), multiple vECUs from one entity can be included. This shortens test cycles and considerably increases efficiency in development processes according to the shift left approach.
In the field of ADAS and AV, the latest version of CarMaker also offers significant improvements. To develop autonomous systems for example, reliable ground truth data are of great importance. The continuously optimized ground truth sensor is a key source for the delivery of high precision and configurable sensor data which can be tailored to individual project requirements. Whether for validating perception algorithms or improving simulation accuracy, the sensor helps to reduce complexity and speed up development. In addition, the release offers valuable innovations for the RSI sensor models: optimized rendering and ray tracing algorithms for improved detection quality as well as generic ray tracing access for maximum flexibility and individual adjustments. With these innovations, CarMaker supports development teams in implementing ADAS and autonomous driving functions faster as well as with more precision and efficiency.
The release also puts the spotlight on optimizing endurance testing. CarMaker 15.0 accelerates the shift from road to rig through improved interactions between road users. Enhanced realism in junction models, and optimized path planning deliver conclusive tests and facilitate the seamless transition from real-world test driving to virtual test driving on the test bench.
IPG Automotive’s simulation expertise is not only limited to developing passenger cars. The software MotorcycleMaker is adapted to the specific requirements for the development of motorized two-wheelers. Electric drivetrains for two-wheelers can be configured flexibly and with a high degree of realism. This simplifies the layout and optimization of electric twowheelers at early development stages and supports manufacturers in meeting growing requirements in terms of efficiency and performance.
“With CarMaker 15.0, we are putting a strong emphasis on realism, scalability, and efficiency in virtual vehicle development,” explains Alexander Frings, Director Product Management at IPG Automotive. “From diverse ground truth data to optimized ECU integration to realistic endurance testing scenarios, the new functions provide the basis for earlier, more reliable and reproducible tests throughout all development stages.”