Closing the simulation gap: Advancing HIL testing with PXI sensor simulation

In aerospace HIL systems, the accuracy of sensor simulation can make or break overall test fidelity. For instance, the traditional methods for simulating resolvers, LVDTs, and RVDTs often fall short, forcing engineers to embed real sensors into rigs just to achieve acceptable realism. This session challenges the conventional approach to sensor emulation, demonstrating how PXI-based simulation hardware bridges the gap between real-world behaviour and lab-based testing. We will explore how true galvanic isolation, wide signal flexibility, and programmable fault insertion create a much closer match to physical sensor dynamics without the cost, fragility, or complexity of using actual sensors or FPGA-based models. Whether you're expanding an NI-based HIL architecture or designing from scratch, you’ll gain practical strategies for building robust, future-ready systems. Learn how you can improve signal fidelity, accelerate fault testing, and modernize your test capabilities, all while protecting your investment in existing hardware and workflows.

Noman Hussain, Vice President of Strategic Business Development, Pickering Interfaces