SIL (software-in-the-loop) course
Online course of 300 hours in software-in-the-loop (SIL), structured in 6 modules covering SIL-based verification, code generation and compilation, SIL environments and frameworks, test design and automation, and software certification and quality, with an assigned technical tutor.
SIL (software-in-the-loop) course — studying from the United States
The United States leads global aerospace, anchored by clusters in Seattle, Wichita, Hartford, Huntsville and the Houston area. Major employers such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, RTX and GE Aerospace drive demand for engineers in airframes, propulsion, avionics and systems integration. Urban air mobility and commercial drone operations are expanding quickly, creating new roles in eVTOL design, airspace integration and UAS operations. Civil and military programs both rely heavily on certified design, testing and airworthiness processes, making this a strong field for engineers seeking complex, high-impact work.
Fees for the United States: 890 US$ (US Dollars), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in the United States
Typical roles
Questions from the United States
Is the programme taught in English?
Yes. All programmes are taught in English, with technical materials and assessments delivered in that language.
Can I study from any state?
Yes. Programmes are 100% online, so you can study from anywhere in the United States with a reliable internet connection.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Understand the role of SIL testing in the development cycle.
Generate embedded code and verify its equivalence with the model.
Build SIL environments with FMUs and virtual ECUs.
Design requirements-based tests with structural coverage.
Automate verification in continuous integration pipelines.
Apply the objectives of DO-178C and its supplements.
Develop a complete SIL verification campaign.
Who it's for
- Software verification engineers.
- SIL test engineers.
- Embedded software developers.
- Software quality engineers.
- DevOps engineers for embedded systems.
- Software certification specialists.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to move into avionics.
What you'll work with
- RTCA DO-178C (software considerations in airborne systems)
- RTCA DO-331 (model-based development and verification)
- RTCA DO-330 (software tool qualification)
- MISRA C:2012 (guidelines for the use of C in critical systems)
- FMI 2.0 (Functional Mock-up Interface for model exchange)
- ECSS-E-ST-40C (space software engineering)
- ECSS-Q-ST-80C (space software product assurance)
- ISO 26262-6:2018 (automotive functional safety at software level)
- MATLAB/Simulink
- Embedded Coder
- Polyspace
- Synopsys Silver
- Jenkins
6 modules
1.1From model to code in the V-cycle1.2Differences between MIL, SIL and PIL1.3Objectives of SIL testing1.4Functional equivalence between model and code1.5Execution on the development computer1.6Virtual environments and virtual ECUs1.7SIL in avionics, space and automotive1.8Advantages in continuous integration1.9Limitations compared with real hardware1.10Case study: SIL of an engine control
2.1Automatic generation with Embedded Coder2.2Hand-written versus generated C code2.3Fixed-point arithmetic2.4Function and data interfaces2.5S-functions and legacy code2.6Compilers and optimisation options2.7MISRA C rules2.8Static analysis with Polyspace2.9Documentation of generated code2.10Lab: code generation and SIL in Simulink
3.1Environment and plant simulation3.2FMI and FMU for model exchange3.3Co-simulation with multiple models3.4Virtual ECUs with Silver and VEOS3.5SIL with PX4 and Gazebo3.6Docker containers for testing3.7Faster-than-real-time execution3.8Time and step management3.9Parameterised scenarios3.10Practical exercise: plant FMU coupled to a controller
4.1Requirements-based testing4.2Back-to-back model and code testing4.3Statement, decision and MC/DC coverage4.4Automatic test case generation4.5Unit testing with C frameworks4.6Regression testing in CI4.7Integration with Jenkins and GitLab CI4.8Reports and quality metrics4.9Defect management and traceability4.10Workshop: SIL test pipeline in CI
5.1DO-178C objectives by level5.2DO-331 model-based supplement5.3DO-330 tool qualification5.4ECSS-E-ST-40C and ECSS-Q-ST-80C5.5ISO 26262 as a comparative reference5.6Configuration and change management5.7Software reviews and audits5.8Verification evidence5.9Common mistakes in certification5.10Case study: DO-178C objectives matrix
6.1Selection of the control system6.2Requirements and test cases6.3Code generation6.4SIL environment and plant6.5Back-to-back testing6.6Coverage analysis6.7Automation in CI6.8Verification report6.9Report and presentation6.10Final project: final review with your tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable materials, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within the intake, so you can combine the programme with your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standards and applied exercises. The working software is MATLAB/Simulink, Embedded Coder, Polyspace, Synopsys Silver and Jenkins, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Cases are studied on real procedures: back-to-back verification of an autopilot, a continuous integration pipeline with SIL tests and MC/DC coverage analysis of a controller. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrative project.
Standards covered: RTCA DO-178C, RTCA DO-331, RTCA DO-330, MISRA C:2012, FMI 2.0, ECSS-E-ST-40C, ECSS-Q-ST-80C, ISO 26262-6:2018.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours over 3 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with MATLAB/Simulink, Embedded Coder, Polyspace, Synopsys Silver and Jenkins, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute certificate, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
No prior qualification is required; you need an internet connection, a computer able to run the programme software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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