Case Study

Network Engineering

Challenges

Reducing the number of ECUs in the car, going towards “Tesla” oriented architecture where there is only 1 or 2 ECUs with multiple functions.

Centralized ECU Architecture
Moving from multiple ECUs to one powerful platfom, redefining how all vehicle functions communicate and are managed.
Message & Signal Standardization
Defining a unified database of messages and signals for all subsystems was complex due to diverse legacy protocols.
High Bandwidth & Low Latency Requirements
Ensuring real-time communication across all vehicle systems while maintaining performance.
Backward Compatibility
Integrating existing sensors, actuators, and subsystems into a new centralized network without losing functionality.
Functional Safety & Reliability
Maintaining safety-critical functions (braking, steering, airbags) in a centralized architecture with no single point of failure.

Solutions

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Software Defined Vehicle(SDV)
Following EE Architecture as a start point for creating a SDV platform

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Unified Communication Database
Developed a master database mapping all messages and signals across ECUs for seamless integration.

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High-Speed Network Protocols
Adopted high-speed protocols (CAN-FD, Ethernet, LIN) to support centralized communication with low latency.

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Simulation & Virtual Testing
Used virtual ECUs and system simulations to validate network messages, timing, and safety before deployment.

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Redundancy & Fail-Safe Mechanisms
Designed redundant communication paths and fail-safe mechanisms to ensure functional safety.

Key Impact

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Reduced ECU Count
Streamlined hardware, reducing cost, weight, and complexity of wiring harnesses.

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Simplified Maintenance & Upgrades
Centralized architecture allows easier software updates and feature addition.

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Improved Network Performance
Faster, more reliable communication across vehicle systems with standardized message protocols.

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Enhanced Functional Safety
Safety-critical functions are robustly managed despite consolidation of ECUs.

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Future-Proof Platform
The architecture enables integration of autonomous driving, infotainment, and other advanced features.

Applied Methodology

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Network Engineering & Database Definition
Defined a comprehensive message and signal database for all ECU functions.

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Centralized Software Design
Designed a software architecture capable of hosting multiple vehicle functions on one or two ECUs.

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Protocol Selection & Validation
Selected appropriate high-speed communication protocols and validated their timing and reliability.

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Simulation-Driven Testing
Used virtual prototypes to simulate network behavior, detect conflicts, and validate performance.

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Iterative Safety Assessment
Performed continuous safety and redundancy assessments aligned with ISO 26262 standards.

Tasks / Responsibilities

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Requirements definition

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Implementation guidelines

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Communication matrix

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Communication guidelines

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Technical Review

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Design Review

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Technical specifications

Toolchain / Technologies

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Ethernet

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CAN

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LIN

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AUTOSAR Explorer

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CANdb++

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IBM Doors

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IBM Rhapsody

Team composition

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1 Network Engineer

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2 Software Architects

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3 Autosar experts

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1 Functional Safety Engineer

ECU capabilities

First Milestone

ECU number target

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