Abstract
The continuous increase in electrical/electronics functions in vehicles is presenting some challenges not only to the current products and technologies used in the distribution and control of these systems in vehicles but also to the design and development processes used nowadays.
To satisfy the new electrical functions and the demand of electrical power installed, the introduction of the 42V PowerNetwork is unavoidable.
In spite of higher degree of integration, the proliferation of electronic boxes/nodes makes necessary a holistic approach to the design of the communication network to assure we have a dependable and composable system with predictable latency times.
The Common Architecture strategy presented in this paper makes feasible not only the scalability but also the brand and market customization needed for the Electrical and Electronics systems of future vehicles platforms.
The Common Architecture is based on a standardized communication structure and in a common signal database that supports the use of interchangeable modular components, all built with the same substructure.
The development process presented starts with a robust specification developed with an state modelling tool . The Common Signal Database for the different busses is then generated and tested with the appropriate tools to reproduce the network and operating system real conditions. During the development process a significant use of
Hardware in the Loop and Bus Panels is described.
The implementation of this Common Architecture relies on a Hierarchical Signal Network and Dual Voltage Power network . The Signal Network has two CAN ( High and Low speed), five (or more) LIN and one MOST busses inter-linked with the appropriate gateways and firewalls. This Hierarchical architecture gives us the possibility to update the level of functionality easily and even the number and type of Busses (i.e TTP, or other)
The Power network is based on the Smart Distribution Nodes. In these Nodes both signal and power are integrated.
The possibility to integrate even a DC/DC converter in some of the nodes allows the implementation of the LEAR power zoning and load management of the dual voltage network leading to a reduction in number of fuses and power equalization. In some cases these Nodes also accommodate the required gateway between different busses.
The Smart Distribution Node is therefore a key element in the implementation of a reliable and composable system optimised also from packaging, weight and cost points of view.
The paper describes in detail the actual implementation of all these concepts in a Demo Test bed and demonstration vehicle.