Test Automation Framework for ECUs and Embedded Systems

Automated Security Testing Solution for Automotive and Embedded Systems

Modern automotive systems are dynamic and packed with a complex network of ECUs that demands a fast and error-free security validation process.

Our solution, DACE, aka Diconium Auto Cybersecurity Evaluation, is a security-focused test automation framework developed for POSIX-compliant operating systems to bridge the gaps in manual testing.

The framework automates testing and validation processes in connected systems and supports vehicle homologation, ensuring compliance with standards like UNECE WP.29, IEC 62442, ISO 21434, and GB/T.

Why is a Test Automation Necessary for Embedded Software Testing?

As cybersecurity regulations continue to evolve globally, embedded systems, especially in automotive ECUs and robotics controllers, face an increasing need to demonstrate compliance.

Manual or fragmented testing approaches are no longer scalable and are prone to errors. As a result, they do not meet the expectations of security testing, audit preparedness, and homologation.

To keep pace with these growing demands, businesses need a test automation framework that not only accelerates test configuration, execution, and reporting but also ensures that their software adheres to international security standards.

Benefits of Using DACE - Test Automation Framework

Purpose-built to automate tests in automotive ECUs and robotic controllers, DACE automates test workflows, offering benefits that help save time and effort throughout the development cycle.

Comprehensive Security Validation

Designed to run multiple security tests in parallel across POSIX-compliant operating systems, streamlining embedded testing.

Modular and Extendible

The framework’s modular architecture allows quick adaptation to evolving security requirements, supporting continuous testing for complex network systems.

CI/CD Integration

Security-first by Design

Why diconium?

Backed by a team of professional software and system engineers, our test automation solution DACE brings over 30 years of combined experience in cybersecurity. It replaces manual testing workflows with an automated, audit-ready cybersecurity testing platform designed for POSIX-compliant ECUs and embedded systems.

Our Testing Automation Process: Step by Step

Requirements & Scope Definition

We begin by analyzing your ECU architecture, embedded software, and system configuration. Our team works closely with you to define testing requirements aligned with cybersecurity regulations like UNECE WP.29 and GB/T.

Test Strategy & Specification

We translate your system’s security and compliance goals into detailed test cases. Every scenario is mapped to our automated testing framework and tailored to your specific embedded system setup.

Test Configuration & Project Setup

Next, we configure the overall ecosystem with project-level controls, metadata tagging, and reusable components to optimize it for traceability, repeatability, and fast execution.

Framework Integration & Execution

Once the setup is configured, our test automation framework is integrated into your CI/CD pipeline or operated manually via CLI. It supports communication protocols like ADB, CAN, SSH, and UART, enabling seamless ECU testing across embedded platforms.

Automated Testing & Reporting

DACE executes security tests in real-time, validating behavior against defined cybersecurity standards. Further, reports are auto-generated in JSON and HTML formats, ready to be processed for audits, certifications, and internal reviews.

FAQ

What is DACE, and how does it function as a test automation framework?

Diconium Auto Cybersecurity Evaluation (DACE) is a test automation framework designed to automate security validation for ECUs and embedded systems. It streamlines test creation, execution, and reporting, ensuring compliance with standards like UNECE WP.29 and ISO 21434.

How does DACE simplify ECU testing in embedded systems?

DACE automates ECU testing by supporting Linux, QNX, and MacOS-based systems. It runs cybersecurity test cases via interfaces like CAN, UART, SSH, and ADB, helping validate embedded software securely and efficiently.

Why is automated testing essential for automotive security testing?

Automated testing ensures fast, repeatable, and accurate validation of ECUs and networked components. It eliminates manual effort, reduces human error, and meets the growing need for compliance in automotive cybersecurity testing.

Can DACE be integrated into CI/CD pipelines for continuous testing?

Yes, DACE is CI/CD integration-ready. It enables automated testing of embedded systems throughout the development lifecycle, making it ideal for organizations seeking scalable, audit-ready test automation solutions.

How does DACE support vehicle homologation and compliance audits?

DACE generates structured test reports in JSON and HTML formats, tagged with metadata for traceability. These reports support vehicle homologation and meet cybersecurity standards like GB/T, UNECE WP.29, IEC 62442, and ISO/SAE 21434.

What makes DACE a reliable automated test solution for embedded and automotive systems?

DACE is purpose-built for cybersecurity validation. Its modular, extendable design supports project-level configuration, automated reporting, and communication testing—making it a comprehensive automated testing framework for modern embedded systems.