An investigation of model-based techniques for automotive electronic system development

Over the past decades, the adoption of electronic systems for the manufacturing of automotive vehicles has been exponentially popularized. This growth has been driven by the premium automobile sector where, presently, diverse electronic systems are used. These electronic systems include systems that control the engine, transmission, suspension and handling of a vehicle; air bag and other advanced restraint systems; comfort systems; security systems; entertainment and information (infotainment) systems. In systems terms, automotive embedded electronic systems can now be classified as a System of Systems (SoS). Automotive systems engineering requires a sustainable integration of new methods, development processes, and tools that are specifically adapted to the automotive domain. Model-based design is one potential methodology to carry out design, implement and manage such complex distributed systems, and their integration into one cohesive and reliable SoS to meet the challenges for the automotive industry. This research was conducted to investigate the model-based design of a 4×4 Information System, within an automotive electronic SoS. Two distinct model-based approaches to the development of an automotive electronic system are discussed in this study. The first approach involves the use of the Systems Modelling Language (SysML) based tool ARTiSAN Studio for structural modelling, functional modelling and code generation. The second approach involves the use of the MATLAB based tools Simulink and Stateflow for functional modelling, and code generation. The results show that building the model in SysML by using ARTiSAN Studio provides a clearly structured visualization of the 4×4 Information System from both structural and behavioural viewpoints of the system with relevant objects. SysML model facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of the system than the model built in Simulink/Stateflow. The Simulink/Stateflow model demonstrates its superior performance in producing high quality and better efficiency of C code for the automotive software delivery compared with the model built in ARTiSAN Studio. Furthermore, this Thesis also gets insight into an advanced function development approach based on the real-time simulation and animation for the 4×4 Information System. Finally, the Thesis draws conclusions about how to make use of model-based design for the development of an automotive electronic SoS

A Benes Based NoC Switching Architecture for Mixed Criticality Embedded Systems

Multi-core, Mixed Criticality Embedded (MCE) real-time systems require high timing precision and predictability to guarantee there will be no interference between tasks. These guarantees are necessary in application areas such as avionics and automotive, where task interference or missed deadlines could be catastrophic, and safety requirements are strict. In modern multi-core systems, the interconnect becomes a potential point of uncertainty, introducing major challenges in proving behaviour is always within specified constraints, limiting the means of growing system performance to add more tasks, or provide more computational resources to existing tasks. We present MCENoC, a Network-on-Chip (NoC) switching architecture that provides innovations to overcome this with predictable, formally verifiable timing behaviour that is consistent across the whole NoC. We show how the fundamental properties of Benes networks benefit MCE applications and meet our architecture requirements. Using SystemVerilog Assertions (SVA), formal properties are defined that aid the refinement of the specification of the design as well as enabling the implementation to be exhaustively formally verified. We demonstrate the performance of the design in terms of size, throughput and predictability, and discuss the application level considerations needed to exploit this architecture

Concept Generation Using Morphological And Options Matrices

The use of morphological matrices as a tool to aid concept generation is examined. Two limitations of the method are highlighted; (1) the large number of potential combinatorial possibilities and (2) the lack of design details in the system concepts generated. An Integrated Idea Generation (IIG) method is proposed to support the generation of detailed system concepts effectively without performing a full factorial combination of the means within a morphological matrix. Pairwise functional combinations are extracted from the functions listed in the morphological matrix and explored in detail using options matrices and innovation challenges, encouraging designers to identify implicit assumptions and foster innovative designs. Pairwise combinations are used to generate sub-system concepts systematically and subsequently integrated to form system level conceptual ideas. The resulting concepts have greater design detail compared to concepts generated through the traditional morphological matrix method and increases confidence in the designer\u27s assessment of the feasibility of the generated concepts. The IIG method is applied in industry to develop a seat mechanism for an automotive application with an industry sponsor. Based on the initial feedback received from industry regarding the method, the results of testing conducted through user studies (2) and interviews (6), and experience using the method, the potential advantages of the IIG method and the challenges associated with the method are provided. Despite the challenges identified, the IIG method is a useful method to help novice and experienced designers develop good quality concepts effectively

Investigation of Material Supply Strategies to Increase Resilience in Matrix Production Systems

In order to design a resilient production system, individual system elements have to be flexible and adapt towards changing requirements. In contrast to the prevailing paradigm that complexity in production systems is reduced by standardisation or cycle production, complexity in resilient production systems offers great potential in terms of adaptiveness, robustness and anticipation. Within production control, matrix production is seen as a resilient and versatile system. Flexible routing between work-stations makes it possible to compensate for failures more quickly in the event of a malfunction, flexible logistics and control processes allow the workstations to be controlled and used in a job-specific manner. In this paper, challenges and operating principles of material supply strategies are investigated that have the biggest influence on the design of resilient processes in matrix production. Using a simulation model and scenarios from the automotive sector, the potentials, requirements and parameters for describing resilience are specified

Realising the open virtual commissioning of modular automation systems

To address the challenges in the automotive industry posed by the need to rapidly manufacture more product variants, and the resultant need for more adaptable production systems, radical changes are now required in the way in which such systems are developed and implemented. In this context, two enabling approaches for achieving more agile manufacturing, namely modular automation systems and virtual commissioning, are briefly reviewed in this contribution. Ongoing research conducted at Loughborough University which aims to provide a modular approach to automation systems design coupled with a virtual engineering toolset for the (re)configuration of such manufacturing automation systems is reported. The problems faced in the virtual commissioning of modular automation systems are outlined. AutomationML - an emerging neutral data format which has potential to address integration problems is discussed. The paper proposes and illustrates a collaborative framework in which AutomationML is adopted for the data exchange and data representation of related models to enable efficient open virtual prototype construction and virtual commissioning of modular automation systems. A case study is provided to show how to create the data model based on AutomationML for describing a modular automation system

Boundary Objects and their Use in Agile Systems Engineering

Agile methods are increasingly introduced in automotive companies in the attempt to become more efficient and flexible in the system development. The adoption of agile practices influences communication between stakeholders, but also makes companies rethink the management of artifacts and documentation like requirements, safety compliance documents, and architecture models. Practitioners aim to reduce irrelevant documentation, but face a lack of guidance to determine what artifacts are needed and how they should be managed. This paper presents artifacts, challenges, guidelines, and practices for the continuous management of systems engineering artifacts in automotive based on a theoretical and empirical understanding of the topic. In collaboration with 53 practitioners from six automotive companies, we conducted a design-science study involving interviews, a questionnaire, focus groups, and practical data analysis of a systems engineering tool. The guidelines suggest the distinction between artifacts that are shared among different actors in a company (boundary objects) and those that are used within a team (locally relevant artifacts). We propose an analysis approach to identify boundary objects and three practices to manage systems engineering artifacts in industry

Integrated motor drives: state of the art and future trends

With increased need for high power density, high efficiency and high temperature capabilities in Aerospace and Automotive applications, Integrated Motor Drives (IMD) offers a potential solution. However, close physical integration of the converter and the machine may also lead to an increase in components temperature. This requires careful mechanical, structural and thermal analysis; and design of the IMD system. This paper reviews existing IMD technologies and their thermal effects on the IMD system. The effects of the power electronics (PE) position on the IMD system and its respective thermal management concepts are also investigated. The challenges faced in designing and manufacturing of an IMD along with the mechanical and structural impacts of close physical integration is also discussed and potential solutions are provided. Potential converter topologies for an IMD like the Matrix converter, 2-level Bridge, 3-level NPC and Multiphase full bridge converters are also reviewed. Wide band gap devices like SiC and GaN and their packaging in power modules for IMDs are also discussed. Power modules components and packaging technologies are also presented

A synthesis of logic and bio-inspired techniques in the design of dependable systems

Much of the development of model-based design and dependability analysis in the design of dependable systems, including software intensive systems, can be attributed to the application of advances in formal logic and its application to fault forecasting and verification of systems. In parallel, work on bio-inspired technologies has shown potential for the evolutionary design of engineering systems via automated exploration of potentially large design spaces. We have not yet seen the emergence of a design paradigm that effectively combines these two techniques, schematically founded on the two pillars of formal logic and biology, from the early stages of, and throughout, the design lifecycle. Such a design paradigm would apply these techniques synergistically and systematically to enable optimal refinement of new designs which can be driven effectively by dependability requirements. The paper sketches such a model-centric paradigm for the design of dependable systems, presented in the scope of the HiP-HOPS tool and technique, that brings these technologies together to realise their combined potential benefits. The paper begins by identifying current challenges in model-based safety assessment and then overviews the use of meta-heuristics at various stages of the design lifecycle covering topics that span from allocation of dependability requirements, through dependability analysis, to multi-objective optimisation of system architectures and maintenance schedules

Improving root cause analysis through the integration of PLM systems with cross supply chain maintenance data

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a system architecture for integrating Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems with cross supply chain maintenance information to support root-cause analysis. By integrating product-data from PLM systems with warranty claims, vehicle diagnostics and technical publications, engineers were able to improve the root-cause analysis and close the information gaps. Data collection was achieved via in-depth semi-structured interviews and workshops with experts from the automotive sector. Unified Modelling Language (UML) diagrams were used to design the system architecture proposed. A user scenario is also presented to demonstrate the functionality of the system

A synthesis of logic and biology in the design of dependable systems

The technologies of model-based design and dependability analysis in the design of dependable systems, including software intensive systems, have advanced in recent years. Much of this development can be attributed to the application of advances in formal logic and its application to fault forecasting and verification of systems. In parallel, work on bio-inspired technologies has shown potential for the evolutionary design of engineering systems via automated exploration of potentially large design spaces. We have not yet seen the emergence of a design paradigm that combines effectively and throughout the design lifecycle these two techniques which are schematically founded on the two pillars of formal logic and biology. Such a design paradigm would apply these techniques synergistically and systematically from the early stages of design to enable optimal refinement of new designs which can be driven effectively by dependability requirements. The paper sketches such a model-centric paradigm for the design of dependable systems that brings these technologies together to realise their combined potential benefits