Optimising Control System Development with New Eagle Raptor and Kvaser CAN Tools
The march towards Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs) is fundamentally changing how modern vehicles are engineered and brought to market. At EMB Power, we work daily with controls engineers and innovators at the forefront of this shift, helping them navigate the growing complexity of integrating intelligent hardware and scalable, flexible software. If you're embarking on the SDV journey, here are five indispensable tools and solutions, underpinned by the Raptor ecosystem and its associated support systems, that should be considered essential in the development of advanced, future-proof vehicle software. We don't simplify complex control systems, we simplify creating them.
Raptor-Dev Dongle Option
Raptor RCM80 Control Module
Raptor-Cal Annual Software Maintenance
Raptor UDS Advanced Library Site License
1. Model-Based Development Environment (Raptor-Dev with Simulink)
A model-based development approach is rapidly becoming the centrepiece of efficient SDV design. The Raptor-Dev platform, designed by New Eagle and exclusively supplied by us at EMB Power in the UK, integrates seamlessly with MathWorks Simulink, allowing controls engineers to visually develop, simulate, and validate embedded control strategies.- No need to write endless lines of C code: Simply wire together functional blocks using Simulink’s native and Raptor-specific libraries, rapidly generating high-quality, production-ready code.
- Native integration: Use Raptor blocks alongside Simulink’s ecosystem, making it easy for engineers already familiar with Matlab/Simulink workflows.
- Rapid iteration: Model changes are quick to implement, simulate, and deploy, dramatically reducing test-and-debug time.
- Industry compliance: When paired with Raptor libraries such as the UDS Basic and J1939 OBD libraries, your applications can meet prevalent automotive diagnostic standards effortlessly.
Raptor-Dev Dongle Option
2. Robust, Automotive-Grade Control Hardware (Raptor ECUs)
A Software-Defined Vehicle is only as reliable as its hardware platform. The suite of Raptor Control Modules offers unmatched flexibility and robustness for high-level controls, interfacing with vehicle systems, powertrain, chassis, and electric/hybrid subsystems. Dedicated hardware platforms such as the Raptor RCM80 Control Module provide a wealth of I/O, multi-bus CAN capability, and LIN support—all pre-qualified for difficult automotive and off-highway environments.- Scalable architecture: Select modules for lightweight applications or those with substantial computational, I/O, or interface requirements.
- CAN FD and Ethernet availability: Support for next-generation, high-speed automotive networking protocols.
- Rapid prototyping to production: Deploy directly to production or scale up from prototypes using the same hardware platform, maximising reuse and minimising risks.
Raptor RCM80 Control Module
3. Powerful Calibration and Flash Tools (Raptor-Cal & Raptor-Service)
Calibration is central to extracting peak performance, safety, and compliance from SDV software. Traditional calibration suites can be expensive and cumbersome, but Raptor-Cal offers a powerful alternative for calibrating, programming, and datalogging model signals from ECUs and displays, supporting both development and aftersales needs.- Cost-effective and intuitive interface: Designed with practising engineers in mind, reducing barriers to daily calibration work.
- Flexible programming and service support: The Raptor-Service tool ensures secure ECU programming and field reflash capabilities without exposing source code.
- Multi-industry support: While ideal for automotive, the tool adapts seamlessly to off-highway, industrial, and military applications.
Raptor-Cal Annual Software Maintenance
4. Advanced Diagnostics & Compliance Libraries (UDS and J1939 for Raptor)
Diagnostics are a regulatory and operational necessity in contemporary SDVs—and efficient development hinges on libraries that handle the heavy lifting. Raptor’s UDS Basic, UDS Advanced, and J1939 OBD libraries encapsulate the arcane details of modern diagnostic protocols, drastically reducing the development time for compliance and fleet management solutions.- Automated implementation: Embedded compliance with global diagnostics standards for emission and fault management.
- Seamless integration: Drop-in blocks within the Raptor-Dev and Simulink workflow, reducing integration effort and the risk of protocol errors.
- Supports site-wide development: Cost-effective licensing for distributed development teams.
Raptor UDS Advanced Library Site License
5. Real-Time Testing and Automated Verification (Raptor-Test)
Thorough testing is imperative for safety and performance—especially as software becomes the cornerstone of vehicle functionality. Raptor-Test is an automated platform for hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software verification, accelerating test cycles and boosting confidence in safety-critical deliverables. While not every developer needs an elaborate test rig from day one, automation from the outset helps maintain quality as the project scales.- Automated test execution: Catch regression issues and integration bugs early, even across distributed teams.
- Simplifies standards compliance: Supports functional safety requirements for ISO 26262 and other industry standards.
- Speeds up release cycles: Enables iteration and deployment without bottlenecks, vital for OTA update strategies and rapid innovation.
Additional Tools for the SDV Toolbox
Beyond the five core pillars, successful SDV projects also benefit from high-quality accessories and peripheral tools:
Kvaser Memorator Pro Can Logger for in-vehicle data recording and event capture.
Raptor VeeCAN 128 Display for custom HMI interfaces—vital for test vehicles and prototype phases.
Why Choose EMB Power and the Raptor Ecosystem?
Our unique experience as the exclusive UK reseller and integrator of New Eagle’s Raptor suite is more than a sales pitch—it's a commitment to supporting your SDV ambitions from prototype to volume deployment. We don’t just supply the tools; we actively support controls teams with engineering expertise honed in electric vehicles, hybrids, drones, and next-generation mobility.
Adopting the right tools upfront reduces risk, speeds time-to-market, and allows your developers to focus on vehicle differentiation, not infrastructure hurdles.
Ready to Future-Proof Your Software-Defined Vehicle Development?
Explore our product range and engineering services for control system solutions that keep you out in front as automotive software takes the lead. For technical consultation or bespoke guidance on building your SDV toolbox, get in touch with the EMB Power team today.
