In the development of complex ECU applications, there are greater and greater quantities of data to be processed, more signals to be measured, and a growing number of parameters to be optimized. Previous methods for measuring, calibrating and flashing are increasingly encountering limits with regard to the necessary data throughput. It was in this context that Robert Bosch GmbH initiated a search for a more powerful and future-robust measurement concept for the next generation of its ECUs, in particular for the development of a new long-range radar sensor.
It is generally impossible to fully test electronic ECUs with a large number of input values because of the enormous amount of time required. Despite these constraints, Daimler has achieved a high level of test coverage and good depth in its software testing of electrical power steering units by using the methods of limit value and effects analysis to reduce the number of test cases. Its practical implementation involves simulating driving maneuvers from the real world that are used as a reference. This article describes how to reduce the set of all theoretically possible test cases and to implement tests with a development and testing tool.
Audi is using FlexRay in their newest vehicles. The developed FlexRay network communication uses PDUs (Protocol Data Units) that are fully AUTOSAR compatible. PDUs are logical data containers for exchanging signals between applications and allowing greater decoupling from the underlying communication system. Audi benefited immediately from Vector`s CANoe as a bus analysis and simulation tool which can natively handle PDUs.
For the first time, a fully automated test case generator has been introduced in diagnostics validation at General Motors Europe (GME) Development. This article describes the introduction of this automated testing of diagnostic implementations based on the example of the new Opel Insignia. An electronically readable diagnostic specification forms the basis for test generation. The article describes how the tool used - CANoe.DiVa from Vector - was integrated in the existing tool environment, and it addresses cost and time savings as well as improvements to technical processes that were realized compared to conventional, manual validation at the Opel Corsa.
Driver assistance systems address the issue of growing traffic volume by offering significant relief to drivers. To obtain an objective assessment of control algorithms in the development of such systems, BMW is relying on the support of the CANape measurement and calibration tool. Many suggestions by Munich’s leading car producer also flowed into the design of an extension that effectively handles the special requirements involved in calibrating driver assistance systems.
Dual-clutch transmission technology not only offers significant improvement in driver convenience and ride comfort at moderate added cost. At the same time, it also delivers excellent fuel economy. The design of a production version of the world’s first ‘dry system’ dual-clutch transmission represented a special challenge for the ECU`s electronics. Frequent flashing of the ECU is necessary in the development process, and this requires the use of rational flash methods and high-performance tools that are up to the task.
To adjust parameter values in FlexRay ECUs, Audi calibrates them via XCP-on-FlexRay. One of Audi’s requirements was AUTOSAR compatibility of the XCP embedded software modules in the ECUs. For this purpose Vector modified both the XCP master and slave software so that Audi’s electronic developers could perform efficient measurements and calibrations. This was possible thanks to dynamic allocation of the XCP bandwidth for FlexRay.
In developing electronics for modern construction equipment, a large share can even be tested and simulated meaningfully on test benches. In later development stages, on the other hand, it is preferable to perform tests and trial runs under real conditions at construction sites or outdoor test sites. To avoid distracting the operator in the driver’s cabin with test equipment, a wireless interface has now been realized for the first time with the CANoe and CANalyzer development and analysis tools from Vector. Electronics developers at BOMAG GmbH now use this interface to log the communication on various vehicle buses at a distance and analyze it.
To soundly manage growth in the number of complex transmission calibration projects and their data at ZF Friedrichshafen AG, the company needed to introduce a new calibration data management system. Deciding factors for introducing the calibration data management system eASEE.cdm from Vector were the tool`s high functionality, flexibility and potential. Another crucial factor was the companies’ development partnership over many years with the goal of jointly meeting ZF targets for quality assurance and improved efficiency.
Time-synchronous recording and evaluation of bus messages
and physical parameters during endurance testing: Synchronizing the bus communication with measured physical parameters is one of the most difficult requirements for reliable tests of ECUs. The data from four data acquisition boards was evaluated in real-time and synchronized with the bus communication of a control module in real-time. The specialists of Vector Informatik developed an individual solution based on the development and test tool CANoe for the requirements of Valeo Wiper Systems.
At MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG an integrated approach was applied
to managing all engineering data generated in the E/E
development process and its subprocesses. The goal is to
further improve the efficiency and quality of development,
despite the growing complexity of electronic systems. MAN
Nutzfahrzeuge AG developed and introduced an integrated
development database for this purpose, which is based on
the eASEE Tool Suite from the Vector company: The MAN
Common Engineering Data Backbone.
Turbochargers help engines, especially those with comparatively small displacements, to develop considerable torque and a high level of driving dynamics. Today’s engine charging systems must flexibly adapt to engine speed and momentary power requirements; therefore, turbocharger control requires careful optimization. For the automotive supplier BorgWarner Turbo Systems, use of the CANape software tool has produced enormous streamlining potential in developing demo vehicles and hardware equipment for road durability tests.
Simple and error-free startup of the communication
cluster as well as high system stability over long service
life are required to keep the complexity of FlexRay
networks in vehicles under control. The Network Management
from Vector Informatik GmbH proved its production-
ready maturity in rigorous testing at the engineering
subsidiary of a German automotive OEM.
Anyone who has participated in winter sports at one time or another is familiar with them: The slope groomers that tirelessly
prepare the ski slopes and transport goods to mountain stations or injured persons safely down to the valley. They not only embody a special species of all-terrain track vehicle, they also deliver the experience of true high performance. Vehicle electronics play a decisive role in the incredible capabilities of these machines. Without electronics neither functionality nor safety nor any other significant innovations would be conceivable. This technical article offers insights into the vehicle technology, development process and development tools of the latest generation of PistenBully vehicles from the Kässbohrer Company.
With growing computerization in automobiles, instrument panels are moving toward multifunctionality. That is why manual ECU test execution, pass/fail detection, and creating reports took a huge amount of time. For Nippon Seiki this has resulted in increased ECU testing man-hours, and their reduction has become a major issue.
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