DSPACE DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING AND CONTROL ENGINEERING GMBH

Their core work

dSPACE is a major German provider of simulation and validation tools for embedded control systems, widely used across automotive, aerospace, and industrial automation. They supply hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulators, rapid control prototyping platforms, and production code generation software that allow engineers to develop and test electronic control units (ECUs) in virtual environments before physical deployment. In H2020, they contributed simulation and testing infrastructure to transport-related projects spanning both aviation systems integration (Clean Sky 2) and electric vehicle modelling.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

dSPACE's early H2020 involvement (2014-2017) combined aviation systems testing (SYS GAM 2018) with ground vehicle and electric powertrain work (EVE, HiFi-ELEMENTS), showing a broad transport simulation portfolio. Their more recent activity (2020-2023) narrowed to a continued focus on Clean Sky 2 aviation systems integration (GAM-2020-SYS). This suggests dSPACE consolidated its EU research involvement around aerospace simulation while continuing commercial work across all transport domains.

dSPACE is deepening its aerospace simulation and testing capabilities within Clean Sky, making them a strong partner for future aviation digitalization and certification projects.

How they like to work

dSPACE participates exclusively as a partner, never coordinating — consistent with their role as a specialist tool and platform provider embedded in larger consortia. With 106 unique partners across 16 countries from just 4 projects, they operate in very large consortia (Clean Sky 2 joint undertaking projects typically involve dozens of partners). This means they are well-networked but function as a technology supplier rather than a project driver.

Despite only 4 projects, dSPACE has connected with 106 unique consortium partners across 16 countries, a direct result of participating in large-scale Clean Sky 2 joint undertaking projects that assemble Europe's aerospace industry leaders.

What sets them apart

dSPACE is one of Europe's leading providers of simulation and testing infrastructure — their tools are an industry standard in automotive and increasingly in aerospace development. Unlike research institutes that contribute knowledge, dSPACE brings production-grade simulation platforms that other consortium members actually use during and after the project. For consortium builders, they offer a credible industrial validation partner with deep integration into the European transport R&D ecosystem.

Highlights from their portfolio

• SYS GAM 2018
  Largest single EC contribution (EUR 604K) — a Clean Sky 2 Systems ITD project representing dSPACE's core aerospace simulation work.
• HiFi-ELEMENTS
  Focused on high-fidelity electric vehicle modelling and testing (EUR 471K), showing dSPACE's capabilities beyond aerospace in EV powertrain simulation.