Computer-implemented method for integrating at least one signal value into a virtual control unit

A computer-implemented method for integrating at least one signal value into a virtual control unit, wherein the virtual control unit has an application layer, a runtime environment, a basic software layer, and a microcontroller abstraction layer, the virtual control unit including one or more software components of an engine control unit for a vehicle, the method comprising:

• executing the virtual control unit on a simulation platform on a personal computer;
• providing the virtual control unit with at least one input signal;
• executing a simulation function on the personal computer;
• providing, via a first interface at a software component of the virtual control unit, at least one first simulated signal value to the virtual control unit, the at least one first simulated signal value being generated by the simulation function, the first interface connecting the software component of the virtual control unit and the simulation function;
• providing a second external signal value via a hardware interface of an external peripheral device;
• selecting, by a user via a user interface, when the software component of the microcontroller abstraction layer of the virtual control unit uses the first simulated signal value or the second external signal value for the at least one input signal;
• and
• providing by the software component, according to the user's selection, the first simulated signal value or the second external signal value to the virtual control unit as a signal value of the at least one input signal when the virtual control unit is executed.