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ODX (Open Diagnostics data eXchange) is a standard diagnostic data format specified by the European ASAM group, to simplify the exchange of vehicle diagnostic data between manufacturers, suppliers and service dealerships. The ODX database contains diagnostic data for the whole vehicle together with details of all vehicle ECUs. This paper gives an overview of the main categories of data contained in the ODX diagnostic database. A Windows-based diagnostic application was developed to execute ISO 15765 diagnostic services on ECUs, using an ODX database to define the allowed services and parameters for each ECU. The paper describes the structure of the diagnostic application and the steps that were necessary to process the ODX and tailor it to a production ECU.

The development of vehicle control systems has evolved to become an exercise in the design and integration of complex, distributed hardware and software components. The various components are typically developed by geographically dispersed, multicultural teams from both OEMs and suppliers. This paper gives a brief overview of using the Unified Modelling Language (UML) as a means of capturing the requirements of real-time distributed systems in a graphical notation shared by all team members. UML is commonly used to model system concepts, albeit typically as system “sketches” without any formal definition of the model's semantics. This paper specifically addresses the additions to the latest version of UML that supports higher levels of abstraction, model-based development, executable models and the specification of non-functional requirements.

A Power Management System is currently being researched and developed at the Centre for Automotive Research based at Waterford Institute of Technology, Ireland, to monitor, control and reduce the electronic power consumption of the 12/14V and 36/42V systems in modern and future vehicles. Over the last 40 years the growth in electronic power consumption in vehicles has risen due to customers' demands for built-in safety features such as Air Bags, ABS and Traction Control, and also comfort and convenience features such as Air Conditioning, Heated Seats and Navigation Systems. Now the introduction of new electronic systems such as X-By-Wire, stricter regulations for fuel emissions, as well as an increased demand for fuel economy, are stretching the capabilities of the current electrical system. Automotive manufacturers are trying to solve this problem in several ways, such as the introduction of 36/42V systems, the introduction of new power sources and the use of MOSFETs.