Data Stimulation using XCP in Vehicle Network toolbox

We are planning to use XCP on CAN blocks provided in the vehicle network toolbox. I would like to know whether the Data Stimulation block works in a way to overwrite a Variable inside an ECU which is between two internal modules.

Answer 1

[Charu]

Hi,

When using XCP on CAN via the Vehicle Network Toolbox with Simulink Real-Time, the “Data Stimulation” block can indeed send values to overwrite variables inside the ECU—but only if those variables are exposed in the A2L file as calibration or measurement objects.

If the variable that is to be stimulated is internal to the ECU and not listed in the A2L, such as one used only between two internal software modules, then the “Data Stimulation” block won’t be able to access it. XCP relies on address and access information from the A2L, so without that, the overwrite isn’t possible. The workarounds for this are:

• Temporarily expose the internal variable in the A2L for testing purposes.
• For model-based testing with Simulink Real-Time, replicate the internal logic in a test harness, and use stimulation blocks at that level before deploying to hardware.
• In some setups, a bypass strategy or SIL/HIL co-simulation should give more control over such internal signals during testing.