The Story of INCA-FLOW

Since the introduction of the first ETAS INCA API in 2000, INCA-FLOW has become an indispensable tool in the automotive industry. Originally developed by an engineer at IAV GmbH for a project in the USA to integrate the first variable camshaft system into their engine family, INCA-FLOW has evolved over the years into a comprehensive solution for the calibration of embedded systems.

Development of a Framework

The beginnings in Germany in 2003 saw the improvement of the methodology through numerous PoCs for various calibration applications, leading to the structuring of the concept in a "flow" environment. The challenges arising from the use of oversized third-party solutions and dealing with the syntax/semantics of the ETAS INCA APIs led to the development of a dedicated framework.

Establishing a Long-Term Partnership

 An interdisciplinary team of experienced calibration engineers and software developers at IAV further developed the framework, which is characterized by features such as a graphical flowchart-based design of the calibration process and a direct connection to the established MCD tool ETAS INCA. In 2009, a year of financial instability and significant global events, IAV signed a cooperation agreement with ETAS, laying the foundation for a long-lasting and successful partnership.

"INCA-FLOW stands for two decades of continuous innovation and partnership. It is the result of our relentless pursuit to meet our customers' needs and to push the boundaries of what is possible," says Kai-Niclas Henne, Product Manager at IAV.

Originally introduced under the name CaliAV, the tool was later renamed to INCA-FLOW and has since found widespread adoption. Today, INCA-FLOW is used by about a hundred carmakers and suppliers, with over 1500 users worldwide. Over the last 15 years, INCA-FLOW has undergone more than 30 product software updates, with the upcoming release of INCA-FLOW v4.18 expected before the end of the year.

Adaptability as the Key to Success

The success of INCA-FLOW is due to its adaptability to the evolving requirements of the automotive industry. The tool has standardized and automated application and validation processes, leading to shorter development times, reduced costs, and improved calibration quality. Customers report significant efficiency gains, with non-experts in a test bench environment saving up to 50% of testing time compared to experts without INCA-FLOW.

With its long history of innovation and adaptability, INCA-FLOW remains a key tool for the automotive industry, revolutionizing the development and calibration of vehicle systems.