# Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing

- Show: [The Pragmatic Embedded Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast)
- Published: 2021-09-21
- Length: 34m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2021-09-21-hardware-in-the-loop-testing
- Listen: https://agileembeddedpodcast.com/episodes/hardware-in-the-loop-testing-ua5ZAcXR

## Summary

Hosts Jeff Gable and Luca Enjani discuss hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, contrasting high-fidelity aerospace systems with simpler, agile approaches for startups. They highlight the risk of 'horse-sized rabbits' where complex test rigs cost over $100,000 but provide little value, advocating instead for rudimentary setups using tools like Raspberry Pi or Python scripts. The conversation emphasizes that even a simple smoke test providing physical feedback is superior to pure software simulation, especially for catching race conditions and validating real-world interactions in medical devices and robotics.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2021-09-21-hardware-in-the-loop-testing#t=0) Introduction: Defining Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing
- [2:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2021-09-21-hardware-in-the-loop-testing#t=160) Case Studies: Aerospace HIL Complexity and Value
- [7:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2021-09-21-hardware-in-the-loop-testing#t=445) Complexity vs. Value: When HIL is Worth the Investment
- [13:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2021-09-21-hardware-in-the-loop-testing#t=807) The 'Horse-Sized Rabbit' Problem in Test Rig Development
- [18:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2021-09-21-hardware-in-the-loop-testing#t=1092) Medical Device Automation and BMW ECU Flashing
- [23:34](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2021-09-21-hardware-in-the-loop-testing#t=1414) Advice for Startups: Start Simple and Iterate
- [28:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2021-09-21-hardware-in-the-loop-testing#t=1727) Integrating HIL into CI/CD Pipelines and Nightly Tests

## Topics

- [Test & measurement](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/test-and-measurement)
- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies, companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- LabVIEW (tool)
- CAN bus (other)
- MIL-STD-1553 (other)
- ARINC 429 (other)
- Raspberry Pi (chip)
- Python (tool)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [508: Descartes' Demon](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2025-08-21-508-descartes-demon) (Embedded.fm)
- [500: Nerding Out About the Ducks](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2025-05-02-500-nerding-out-about-the-ducks) (Embedded.fm)
- [#021: Hardware at Software Speed: How BootLoop Is Bringing AI to the Bench for Firmware Teams](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/coredump-sessions/2026-03-25-021-hardware-at-software-speed-how-bootloop-is-bringing-ai-to-the-bench-for-firm) (Coredump Sessions)
- [182: Sorry Little Diodes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-01-04-182-sorry-little-diodes) (Embedded.fm)
- [Pedantic or Andrantic](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2018-01-03-pedantic-or-andrantic) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

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