Controller Hardware-in-the-Loop (CHiL) is a subset of hardware-in-the-loop and refers to a simulation's connection to hardware that sends or receives control signals. In comparison to Power Hardware-in-the-Loop, only small amounts of power with low voltages are required, so that communication can take place directly between the real-time simulator and the hardware under test. Examples of investigations with CHiL are the testing of protective devices, the integration of real control devices in simulated grids and the testing of algorithms for monitoring and controlling distributed grid participants.

The real-time simulators used in the PHILSLAB are ideally suited for use in a CHiL study thanks to their various connection options. The connection between the hardware under test and the simulator can be established via analog signals or various communication protocols such as ModBus or OPC-UA.