Modern technical systems consist of numerous interconnected hardware and software components. If their interaction can be examined virtually at an early stage, companies can identify integration issues and potential weaknesses before all components are available as physical hardware. This can shorten development cycles, reduce the need for physical prototypes, and enable testing to be planned more effectively.

The FERAL simulation framework, developed at Fraunhofer IESE, enables the integration of heterogeneous models, simulators, software components, and communication networks into a common simulation environment. As a result, complex systems can be virtually executed, analyzed, and evaluated even before they are fully available in physical form.

An open standard connects different simulation models

The Functional Mock-up Interface (FMI) plays a central role in this context. FMI is an open and tool-independent standard for the exchange and co-simulation of dynamic models across tool boundaries.

FERAL supports co-simulation with FMI 2 and FMI 3 and can integrate corresponding simulation models across tools. In addition, Simulink models, C/C++ models, Java simulations, and external components can be integrated through REST APIs over HTTP. Communication networks and protocols such as CAN, Ethernet, FlexRay, LIN, and MOST can also be simulated.

FERAL thus goes beyond the mere execution of individual Functional Mock-up Units (FMUs). The platform orchestrates different models, simulators, software components, and communication networks in shared simulation scenarios. This makes it possible to analyze the interactions between the components of a complex system and to investigate fault and operational scenarios at an early stage.

FERAL in the International FMI Ecosystem

FERAL is now listed on the official FMI Tools Page, where it is featured alongside numerous commercial and open-source simulation tools.

This listing increases FERAL’s international visibility and makes it easier for companies and research institutions to discover the platform as an FMI-compatible solution for heterogeneous co-simulation. At the same time, it underscores the importance of open standards for Fraunhofer IESE’s work in virtual engineering.

“Today, complex systems are no longer developed using a single tool. With FERAL, we are creating an end-to-end simulation environment in which models, software components, and communication networks can be executed and evaluated together. Support for FMI 2 and FMI 3 is a central component of this. Being listed on the official FMI Tools Page now increases FERAL’s international visibility,” says Dr. Pablo Oliveira Antonino, Department Head of Virtual Engineering at Fraunhofer IESE.

Investigating Complex Systems Virtually Early On

FERAL is already being used in industrial and research projects. In the automotive industry, for example, the framework supports the virtual integration, analysis, and qualification of driver assistance and control systems. In addition, FERAL is used for adaptive cyber-physical systems, the simulation of networks and communication protocols, as well as for fault and scenario analyses.

These simulation capabilities also form a foundation for executable Digital Twins and the virtual validation of software-defined and AI-supported cyber-physical systems.

With FERAL, companies can perform system integration and testing earlier, systematically investigate the effects of faults, and reduce the effort required for physical prototypes and test benches. With its inclusion on the FMI Tools Page, FERAL is now also visible to users seeking information about solutions for FMI-based simulation and co-simulation.

Further Information

FERAL – the platform for simulation and virtual evaluation

FMI Tools Page