Cooperation for Easily Scalable Data Replay Tests on Software and Hardware Platforms

Paderborn, January 05, 2022: dSPACE has formed a technology collaboration with Equinix and Microsoft with the aim to accelerate the development and validation of self-driving cars. The collaboration has resulted in a scalable, continuously available, and cost-optimized data replay validation solution that combines the strengths of Microsoft Azure, Equinix’s global digital infrastructure services, and dSPACE test solutions. Data replay tests are widely used for tasks like validating environment perception components, such as smart sensors.

The new hybrid solution combines data management, data selection, and test instance automation in a single cloud-based web interface. Users can launch test campaigns on a software platform in Azure and continue the campaign on a hardware-in-the-loop platform as needed. The test artifacts are transmitted from Azure Storage via a secure ExpressRoute connection to a HIL data replay test station in the Equinix International Business Exchange™ (IBX®) data center, where the tests are automated.”

This way, the solution allows for highly automated and consistent data replay testing on software and hardware platforms and simplifies the work of globally distributed development teams through web-based access. The scalability of Azure in combination with the ecosystem of partners in Equinix data centers and the world-class dSPACE HIL data replay test stations based on dSPACE SCALEXIO systems also minimize response times to changing customer requirements.

dSPACE is contributing its first-class solutions for data management, and validation. The data management solution Intempora Validation Suite (IVS) makes managing and evaluating large volumes of data easy. Seamlessly integrated software- and hardware-based test platforms optimize the costs of data replay testing. “Together with Microsoft and Equinix, we provide our customers a comprehensive data replay test solution at a low initial investment with unlimited and flexible scalability to cover all test demands, meeting the strict ADAS/AD test requirements," says Bassam Abdelghani, Strategic Product Manager at dSPACE.

“With Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute, customers have a reliable, fast, and low-latency private connection to on-demand Azure hyperscale infrastructure and cloud services that accelerate AD/ADAS development and testing workloads,” said Kurt Niebuhr, Principal Program Manager, HPC | AI Workload Incubation at Microsoft. “Our collaboration with dSPACE and Equinix enables the seamless integration of SIL and HIL development/test environments. This hybrid solution delivers flexibility, scalability, and cost performance while addressing accuracy, safety, or compliance requirements.”

“Equinix offers an ideal environment for the testing of connected/autonomous vehicle technologies, providing the geographic footprint, robust ecosystem of partners and edge locations needed," said Steve Steinhilber, VP of Business Development at Equinix. "By selecting Equinix, dSPACE and Microsoft will create and advance the latest hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) solutions that address traffic scenarios in metropolitan areas to ensure the safety and reliability of autonomous vehicles on the road.”

The data replay validation solution that combines the strengths of Microsoft Azure, Equinix’s global digital infrastructure services, and dSPACE test solutions will be showcased at CES 2022, January 5-7 in Las Vegas at the dSPACE booth (#3555, LVCC West Hall).