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Plug-and-Play for Automobile Embedded Systems
wskellenger writes "This article in the EE Times describes Autosar, a consortium of German automakers and suppliers that aims to standardize vehicle software infrastructure. In this way, vehicle software can be used in different ECUs, reducing complexity and development time for OEMs and suppliers."
Things have been going in this direction for quite awhile. The Corvette in 97 went to a serial communications protocol, talking to 14 different control units. It also had a throttle by wire system that eliminated a LOT of complexity in the traction control, cruse control and throttle applications. Active handling, a SIGNIFICANT feature, required a software change and two sensors.
The next step is to get sensors to talk this protocol. Rather than having a dumb sensor that goes to a control unit that interprets the message, you have a temp. sensor that the manufacturer doesn't have to worry about. They just need to look for a temperature unit reporting water temp, or another unit reporting vehicle speed on the wire.
Then the cruise control, the radio, the speedometer, etc all just have to listen for that packet that says 'wheel speed is 60 mph'.
the Cool thing is, the vendor that makes the Vehicle Speed Sensor might do it today for $50. Next year it may be $42, the year after, they might redesign it to have zero moving parts (optical) and with custom asics, make it a $12 part. Will that translate to a cheaper vehicle for you? probably not...but it'll make your car last longer, and will be easier to troubleshoot.
"Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus."
You don't know much about cars. Do you?
Ever heard of SEMA? (Specialty Equipment Manufacturer's Association) They're a HUGE lobbying group for aftermarket suppliers of parts.
Microsoft perrenial upgrades? When your car is running okay, what do you put in it? Gas? Tires? What else? It won't automatically stop running if you don't pay your EA license.
Comparing the Auto industry to the Computer industry is just flat stupid and a non-starter.
"Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus."