Hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) Simulators

Hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) Simulators

The operator of a simulator need not be a person. In a hardware-in-the-loop simulator, the role of operator is played by another computer, such as an aircraft autopilot or the control and guidance computer of a missile. The inputs to the computer under test are the simulator's display output. The output signals of the computer under test are the simulator's control inputs.

Depending on the hardware being exercised, the simulator may have to maintain a very high frame rate, up to 1000 Hz. Silicon Graphics systems can be used for some hardware simulators. Special-purpose systems may be more practical or more economical for very demanding frame rates.