Vector Controllers

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Your Communication ECU Family from Vector

The Vector Controllers are ECUs for specific use cases with the focus on data communication. They are perfect for the rapid development of functional samples and for use in series production. Whether charging control unit for commercial vehicles or gateway: The development costs are shared across many users. That keeps the price reasonable.

Advantages

Standard technologies scaled down to small series productions and development samples
Already qualified hardware for use in vehicles
Shorter development cycles
High flexibility and cost optimization for serial production
Single source supplier for ECU hardware, project and embedded software as well as development tools

Gallery

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VC121-12: Universal ECU for Domain Controller and Gateways

VC36B-12: High performance automotive ethernet switch

Breakout Box for VC121-12: Easy access to all of the pins

Evaluation system for VC121-12: For easy-to-operate software evaluations

VC121-12 after successfully completed qualification

Watch the 2 minutes explanatory video!

VC-VCCU: Vehicle Charge Control Unit for charging communication according to ISO/IEC 15118 and DIN SPEC 70121

Application Areas

Vector Controller: Numerous Options for Your Specific Use Case

Off the Shelf ECUs

The Vector Controllers are perfect for your prototyping and development projects. They are also available in high quantities for test fleets and small series productions. Together with the MICROSAR basic software it forms a complete package with full functionality. The open ECU is also capable to host your individual software.

Customized ECUs

Based on the Vector Controllers, the entire project for your series vehicle can also be covered by Vector. It starts with the definition of features, through the implementation process up to the maintenance in series production. Upon that, we rely on the high quality and standards of the automotive industry for small series productions.

Watch the Video to See How to Reduce ECU Costs

Watch the 2 minutes explanatory video!

Key Features at a Glance

	VC-VCCU	VC36B-12	VC121-12
CAN	♦	♦	♦
LIN		♦	♦
FlexRay			♦
OABR / 100Base-T1		♦	♦
PSI 5
SENT
PLC	♦
Analog IN	♦	♦	♦
Digital IN	♦		♦
Frequency IN		♦	♦
PWM Out	♦		♦
Digital Out			♦
H-Bridge	♦

VC-VCCU

Generic Smart Charging ECU

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Description Technical Data Vehicle Integration and Basic Software

VC-VCCU

The Vector Controller - Vehicle Charge Control Unit (VC-VCCU) is a generic charging control unit. With its integrated functionality for charging via Powerline Communication (PLC), it provides the perfect interface for prototype vehicles and development environments per DIN SPEC 70121 and ISO 15118. It can also be carried over into your series vehicle right away.

VC-VCCU: Perfect interface for prototype vehicles and development environments according to DIN SPEC 70121 and ISO/IEC 15118.

The executed CAN channel with the standardized J1939 high-level communications for the commercial vehicle market provides a fast connection to the vehicle. The diagnostic messages for DM1, DM13 as well as the J1939 network management are supported.

Availability status: Prototype (Series: planed for Q1/2019)

Technical Data:

Charging communication per ISO 15118 and DIN SPEC 70121
IP6K9K housing for the best possible protection according to harmonized tests
ECU according to the given norms of the automotive and commercial vehicle industry
Turnkey solution: Direct installation in the vehicle, prototyping and series
Tested in-house based on ISO 16750

Communications	2 x CAN 1 x J1939 (DM1, DM13 and XCP) 1 x UDS 1 x Power Line Communication
Wake-up Mechanisms	Vehicle CAN Control Pilot Real Time Clock
Connector Interlocking	Interlocking of the connector with the inlet during charging process Read-back channel to check if connector is properly pluged and locked
Additional I/O	Charging interrupt-switch of the switch readable Status LED available as output
LED-Driver Output (PWM Output)	3 x 20 mA, short-circuit proof and diagnosable
Digital / PMW Output	1 x 5 A (high-side), short circuit proof and diagnosable 3 x 200 mA 24 V DC (high-side), short circuit proof and diagnosable
Operating Voltage	10…32 V DC (ISO 16750, Code E)
Dimensions (L / W / H)	156 mm x 148 mm x 39 mm (VCmid-sealed, aluminum)
Operating Temperature	-40°C to +85°C (ISO 16750, Code H)

This graphic shows the recommended integration into the vehicle. In conjunction with the AUTOSAR basic software, AC and DC charging according to IEC 61851, DIN SPEC 70121 and ISO/IEC 15118 is supported.

Integrated MICROSAR 4.2.1 software architecture with the used basic software components and the generic application as well as the function library for intelligent charging.

VC121-12

Universal ECU for Domain Controller and Gateways

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Description Technical Data Accessories Evaluation Bundle

VC121-12

Based on its many communication and IO interfaces, the universal ECU VC121-12 is the ideal solution for use in small series productions and for rapid development of functional samples. It is also well-suited for use in evaluation projects and test fleets. Vector’s AUTOSAR basic software MICROSAR is available in the VC121-12 also for Evaluation Purposes (see Tab “Evaluation Bundle”). It forms the basis for your application and contains supplemental hardware drivers that are not specified in AUTOSAR, such as for controlling output driver chips.

The VC121-12 is fully qualified for serial production in accordance with ISO 16750 / LV 124. That’s why the use in serial productions after evaluation is just a small step. To reduce costs for series production, it is possible to procure the ECUs with reduced PCB population.

Availability status: Series release

Technical Details

High-performance microcontroller architecture
Many communication interfaces for CAN, LIN, FlexRay, Ethernet
A lot of diagnostics-capable inputs and outputs
Safety controller and integrated safety mechanisms for safety-related applications according to ISO 26262

Main CPU	SPC56EC64, 120 MHz / 80 MHz, Dual Core 1,5 MB Code Flash 4 x 16 kB Data Flash 192 kB RAM
Safety CPU	STM8AF62, 16 MHz 32 kB Flash 2 kB RAM
Communication interfaces	6 x CAN 2.0B 2 x LIN 1 x Ethernet (BroadR-Reach) 1 x FlexRay (Dual-Channel, end node)
Digital inputs	20 x 0…U_BAT
Frequency inputs	8 x 0…U_BAT, max. 20 kHz, diagnosable
Analog inputs	14 x 0…5 V, 12 bit, diagnosable 8 x 0…U_BAT, 12 bit, diagnosable
Digital outputs	12 x 2,5 A (high-side), diagnosable 16 x 1 A (high-side), diagnosable 4 x 200 mA (high-side), diagnosable
Sensor supply	2 x 5 V, 100 mA
Operating voltage	8…16 V DC
Total current draw (with load)	max. 42 A
Dimensions (L / W / H)	220 mm x 120 mm x 40 mm
Operating temperature	-40…+85 °C
Plug connectors	Tyco 1473244 (81-polig) and Tyco 1473252 (40-polig)
EMC / ESD	Tested according to the harmonized requirements of German automotive manufacturers
Environmental compatibility	ISO 16750 / LV 124
Housing degree of protection	IP67

The right accessories will help you in development.

Breakout Box for VC121-12

The VCA0101 Breakout Box gives you easy access to all of the pins of the VC121-12:

Measure and stimulate signals
D-Sub9 connector for direct access to communication channels
4 mm laboratory sockets for all discrete channels
Dimensions: 331 mm x 190 mm x 58 mm

You will find detailed notes of the VCA0101 in the user manual.

JTAG Adapter for VC121-12

The VCA0201 JTAG adapter is used to connect the VC121-12 to debuggers or programming hardware. The adapter is plugged onto the Nexus 38+ interface of the VC121-12 and offers the standardized 14-pin connector for a JTAG interface that is used as a counterpart.

Easy to mount onto the VC121-12 by screw fastening
Selectable reset options of the CPU – via debugger or System Base Chip (SBC)
LEDs for monitoring the voltage supply including switch for deactivating the LEDs and reducing current consumption
Push button for manual reset
Dimensions: 40 mm x 35 mm x 18 mm

You will find detailed notes of the VCA0201 in the user manual.

Integrated Debugger for VC121-12

The integrated VCA0301 debugger enables debugging of the ECU software using the supplied winIDEA software from iSYSTEM. The VCA0301 is plugged directly onto the debug interface of the VC121-12 and establishes a JTAG connection to the microcontroller. The compact layout makes it possible to use the debugger in an enclosed ECU housing and offers a direct USB connection to a PC via a built-in socket on the outside of the ECU (VCA0602).

JTAG connection to the microcontroller
Easy to mount by screw fastening on the VC121-12
Product includes a 12-month license for debugging the ECU software using winIDEA – the debugging and test software from iSYSTEM.
Easy to connect the debugger over a Mini-USB interface
Dimensions: 50 mm x 35 mm x 18 mm

You will find detailed notes of the VCA0301 in the user manual.

Connector Set for VC121-12

The VCA0401 is a fully featured connector set for build an individual wire harness for the VC121-12. It consists of:

Connector body
Covers
Crimp contacts

You will find detailed notes of the VCA0401 in the user manual.

Evaluation System for VC121-12

The VCA0501 is an evaluation system (EVS) with sensors and actuators, on which the VC121-12 is mounted. It is connected to the ECU via a wire harness and enables an easy-to-operate system for software evaluations:

Evaluate standard software
Ideal as teaching platform and for training new employees
Execution platform for system presentations
Practical work at universities

You will find detailed notes of the VCA0501 in the user manual.

Housing Variant for VC121-12 with Large Opening

The VCA0601 housing variant is available for the VC121-12 and gives you easy access to a wide variety of interfaces without having to constantly open the ECU housing. It enables easy connection of devices like the VCA0201 JTAG adapter or the integrated VCA0301 debugger to the microcontroller.

You will find detailed notes of the VCA0601 in the user manual.

Housing Variant for VC121-12 with USB Connection for Debugger

The VCA0602 housing variant is available for the VC121-12. The integrated Mini-USB socket gives you easy access to the VCA0301 debugger while the ECU is still fully protected.

You will find detailed notes of the VCA0602 in the user manual.

MICROSAR Basic Software for VC121-12 Evaluation Bundle

The Evaluation Bundle for the VC121-12 features a production quality MICROSAR 4.2.1 basic software perfectly suited for the ECU. Besides the required embedded software components and the operating system it contains software tools to configure the basic software as well as all drivers to control the interfaces of the ECU.

DaVinci Configurator Pro
DaVinci Developer
CANdela Studio
vFlash
MICROSAR Basic Software based on AUTOSAR 4.2.1, including
- CAN, LIN, FlexRay and 100Base-T1 support including XCP
- MCAL, OS Scalability Class 1, Memory Handling and Diagnostic features
- Full I/O support through VC software library
Sample application as source code incl. detailed instruction
Voucher for AUTOSAR training at Vector

VC36B-12

Ethernet Gateway with Switching Functionality

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Description Technical Data

VC36B-12

The VC36B-12 is an Ethernet gateway with switching functionality. With five BroadR-Reach (100BASE-T1), one 100BASE-TX channel, one CAN-HS / three CAN-FD channels and one LIN master channel it is well-suited for many gateway applications and backbone architectures. It is also appropriate as information highway and driver assistance (ADAS-) controller in the vehicle. The ECU is perfectly suited for functional evaluation and use in test vehicles.

The IP protection class is IP40. Together with the separately available AUTOSAR basic software MICROSAR 4, the VC36B-12 is the flexible solution for your use case. It is possible to realize series production with the VC36B-12 in a customer specific development project.

For evaluation and test purposes, we offer a complete evaluation bundle.

Availability status: Prototype (planned Q4/2018)

Technical Data:

High Performance Microcontroller Architecture
Multi port Ethernet Switch for high bandwidth in-vehicle networking
Wakeup capable on all communication interfaces
Diagnostics-capable inputs and outputs

CPU	TC297TA, 300 MHz, Tri-Core 8 MB Code Flash 728 kB Data Flash 2 MB RAM
Switch Controller	Broadcom BCM89531
Communication Interfaces	5 x BroadR-Reach 1 x 100BASE-TX 1 x CAN-HS 3 x CAN-FD 1 x LIN
Digital and Frequency Inputs	2 x 0…U_BAT, low active, max. 20 kHz, diagnosable 2 x 0…U_BAT, high active, max. 20 kHz, diagnosable
Real-Time Clock	1 x PCA21125
Operating Voltage	8…16 V DC
Total Current Draw (with Load)	<4,5 A
Dimensions (L / W / H)	156 mm x 148 mm x 39 mm
Weight	560g
Ambient Temperature Range	-20 °C…+40 °C
Plug Connectors	48 PIN Molex CMC
EMV / ESD	Tested according to the harmonized requirements of German automotive manufacturers
IP Protection Class	IP40
Development Status	Alpha release available

ECU Projects for Your Small Series Production

The development of small series productions is no less time consuming than development of large series. Due to the small quantities involved, costs play an even greater and more sensitive role. At the same time, the quality must meet your standards. With Vector you have a competent and reliable partner that will implement small production run projects together with you.

Everything from one source – basic software, ECU, and all project work
Drivers and standard software are available that are perfectly tuned to the ECUs
Series hardware qualification per Vector Standard based on ISO 16750 / LV124
Separate platforms for Automotive (12 V) and Commercial Vehicles (24 V)
Series production, support, and maintenance
Faster "time to market" when using the same ECU family in follow-up projects

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Complete ECU Projects Vector Process Management System Requirement Analysis Design & Implementation Integration & Verifikation ECU & Software Validation Release & Delivery Project Management

The development of small production runs is no less time consuming than development of large series. Due to the small quantities involved, costs play an even greater and more sensitive role. At the same time, the quality must meet your standards. With Vector you have a competent and reliable partner that will implement small production run projects together with you.

On the basis of the VC family, we create your complete ECU project for small and midget production runs, ranging from the requirements analysis and implementation to series production support. The VC family provides a variety of communication interfaces such as CAN, LIN, FlexRay, Ethernet, and Power Line Charging for eMobility according to ISO 15118 as well as support of various sensor buses and load drivers. For this reason, it is an ideal basis for gateway applications, domain controllers and special functions.

You can use all available Vector controllers directly for commissioning this project. The individual hardware function blocks offer a wide range of application, scalability, and a high level of reuse.

Does our existing portfolio fail to meet your requirements? On the basis of the VC family, we create customized ECU to your exact specifications.

High quality must also be met for small and midget production runs. The Vector Process Management System (VPMS) is an ISO9001:2008 certified process. It guarantees a uniform workflow across all projects and ensures its quality.

The Quality Management, which is independent of the project, checks the progress of the project during software and hardware development in order to guarantee the maximum possible quality standard. If necessary, the process can be adapted to your specific requirements, thereby providing maximum flexibility.

We work in close cooperation with you to define the requirements for your project – on both the hardware and software sides – and thus create the optimal solution for you. The resulting project proposal is a major component of the project and focuses on the following key areas:

Requirements and design of the hardware and software
Milestones
Implementation of the overall system
Verification of the hardware and software
Series delivery and support

An efficient system requires precise planning, specification, and design. This is a major component of our expertise. Our experts rely on their many years of experience to make optimal decisions for you. The system is based on an ECU of the VC platform. Our experts use their very detailed knowledge to give you the ideal ECU for your application with the required functionality in a short amount of time.

Upon request we are happy to specify and develop the application for your individual requirements. Model-based development of your application is also possible.

Special attention is paid in every ECU project to the integration of the standard software on the respective ECU. Our many years of experience have made us a strong partner in assisting you with this. Starting with the ECU-specific communication databases and diagnostic descriptions as well as the integration of the Flash bootloader to the partial or complete application integration and development. You can fully rely on our engineers for this.

To ensure error-free operation, we test the integrated component interfaces against one another. This is done firstly on the software side. Secondly the interface to the ECU hardware is tested in detail.

Not just the components among themselves that have to be tested for high-quality software. Rather, the functionality of the overall system must also be tested. We conduct the prequalification of the ECUs in our in-house labs.

Function tests are performed based on an agreed-upon specification.
Communication is tested based on CANoe.
Diagnostics is tested with CANoe.DiVa.
The VT System is used to check the hardware interfaces.
Other test options include service life simulation facilities, climatic chambers, and load attachments.

We conduct the series qualification in an accredited, external test lab.

We document the system that is successfully validated and released for the series according to your requirements. We deliver this to you as an initial functional model or for the series depending on the desired stage. The delivery takes place from Vector or our EMS service partner. Alternatively, you are welcome to use your preferred ECU supplier.

Vector provides you with series production support even after series start-up. This includes the monitoring of utilized components and any discontinuation announcements and related new production data sets.

Starting from the first step, we take over the project management in accordance with standardized guidelines and in compliance with your wishes. We draw up the project plan and define the range of functions in close cooperation with you. Regular coordination rounds ensure the correct execution of the project.

Embedded Software Projects

In addition to the ECU hardware, you also need tailor-made embedded software?

Vector will be glad to support you with individual project work - tailored to your requirements and adapted to your processes. Benefit from our extensive know-how in the fields of

AUTOSAR
Functional safety per ISO 26262
Cyber security
Model-based development
Testing and
Software integration

Reference Projects

In order to provide you with an overview of the various applications of the VC ECUs from Vector, we have compiled a selection of projects which have already been successfully implemented.