A VxWorks-Based Multicore Parallel Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation Platform for Aero-Engine Systems

In the research and development of aero-engine systems, directly utilizing actual engines poses challenges such as high costs and significant risks. To address these issues, this paper proposes a heterogeneous hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation platform based on the Raspberry Pi 4B and FPGA, designed to emulate the output signals generated during aero-engine operation. The platform leverages the multi-core computational capabilities of the Raspberry Pi 4B, running the VxWorks real-time operating system to achieve real-time parallel computation of simulation models. The system employs an FPGA-based signal simulation circuit as the core processing unit, responsible for generating realistic output signals of the aero-engine. The Raspberry Pi 4B transmits the computed simulation data to the FPGA, which processes the data and subsequently controls the signal simulation circuit to generate real-time sensor signals, accurately replicating the operational state of the aero-engine. Experimental results demonstrate that, compared to traditional single-core simulation methods, the proposed system offers a significant improvement in simulation speed while achieving minimal signal output synchronization latency, highlighting its strong potential for practical applications.