A widespread method of software development is to use an iterative cycle of description of the requirements and writing the corresponding codes. In this way the project takes shape cycle by cycle, function by function. Each new function has a potential fault for the previous codes, so it is important to perform what are known as “non-regression tests” to ensure what currently exists is not affected by the new code.
Various simulation/validation methods have been developed to perform the non-regression tests. The method developed by Acsystème relies on interoperability between the Matlab/Simulink software and the Office Pack tools.
First, the project is retrieved and adapted to the Matlab environment. Tests are then defined in an Excel workbook, with a specific nomenclature. They configure operation in the Simulink simulation. Finally, simulation results are exported to a Word file for analysis. The benefit of this practice is the possibility of automating testing.
After the tests are defined in the Excel workbook, the engineer can launch all the simulations at once on all the software versions. Setting up batch processing can be time-consuming, but after this step is completed, then all that remains is to check the compliance of the software behaviour with the specifications. This initial time investment leads to a more efficient validation of software updates. The test file is updated with the new functions to be validated, and automation makes it possible to replay all the simulation cases. As a result of the test processing efficiency, all that remains is for the engineer to analyse the results, ensuring quality at each stage of the project.
This cheap, pragmatic, and clever validation method can be applied to all projects that can be simulated in Matlab and Simulink.
