Large hardware-in-the-loop systems sit in a cabinet, are expensive and get shared – and the test bench is often occupied when you need it. For day-to-day development you don’t need a rack, but a compact HIL that fits on the desk and tests on every code change. That is exactly what LoopCheck is built for.
When it fits
When a compact HIL is the right alternative
Testing at the developer desk
Every developer tests their own firmware, early and often – instead of waiting for the one shared test bench.
Integration test, not the whole plant
You test the software of a controller against a simulated environment, not the complete system assembly.
Reproducible in CI/CD
Every test run is bit-exact repeatable and runs automatically on every commit.
Without a rack budget
One test setup per workstation instead of a central lab that everyone shares.
Classification
Desk HIL or rack HIL?
Desk HIL
Fits on the desk, tests individual controllers early and often, and is available to the developer at any time. LoopCheck is a desk HIL.
Rack HIL
Large cabinet systems for the full assembly – powerful, but expensive, shared and rarely free. Useful for system integration, not for the daily developer test.
Honestly scoped
Signal HIL, not power HIL
So you don’t expect the wrong thing: LoopCheck works at signal level – sensor values, bus signals, small currents and voltages. That is ideal for firmware and control testing. If you have to switch real load currents and power (power HIL), that is a different field, and a compact signal HIL is not the right tool for it. Most firmware faults, however, show up exactly at signal level.
On price
What “affordable” really means here
A compact HIL is not “cheap”, but frugal in the right place: no rack budget, no shared bottleneck, one test setup per workstation. The bigger lever is elsewhere – building the test environment yourself quickly takes four to six engineer-months before the first useful test runs. With LoopCheck we take on the build, and you test from day one.
The difference
Compact does not mean a hobby board
A cheap in-house or hobby setup may deliver a signal, but not evidence. For regulated and safety-critical devices what counts is that every test run is reproducible and that requirement, test case and result are linked end to end. LoopCheck is designed to deliver this evidence for standards such as IEC 62304 and IEC 61508 – a compact HIL that holds in an audit. In detail: IEC 62304 (medical technology) and IEC 61508 (functional safety).
Frequently asked questions about the HIL alternative
Is there an affordable alternative to large rack HIL systems?
Yes. A compact signal HIL for the developer desk covers firmware and integration testing without the budget and the wait of a rack system. LoopCheck is built exactly for that – reproducible and integrated into CI/CD.
What is a desk HIL or compact HIL?
A HIL test system small enough for every developer's desk. It tests individual controllers early and often against a simulated environment – in contrast to large, shared rack systems for the full assembly.
Is a small HIL suitable for safety-critical devices?
Yes, if it is designed for evidence. LoopCheck delivers reproducible test runs and the end-to-end link between requirement, test case and result for standards such as IEC 62304 and IEC 61508.
Does a compact HIL replace a power HIL?
No. LoopCheck is a signal HIL for firmware and control testing. For real load currents and power (power HIL) a different system is needed. Most firmware faults, however, show up at signal level.
Does every developer really need their own HIL?
The benefit comes from testing before code is integrated. A compact HIL per workstation makes that possible – instead of waiting at the one shared test bench.
A compact HIL for your application
LoopCheck is our compact HIL platform, tailored to your test object – small enough for any desk, integrated into CI/CD and qualifiable for regulated devices. If you would rather have the whole test environment taken on as a project, we do that too.