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This paper proposes a solution to the challenge of developing vehicle software application functions which are decoupled from their intended target hardware platforms. Once developed, these software application functions can be utilised across any OEM vehicle platform and vehicle variants, saving the supplier time and money in terms of system development and giving a number of OEMs similar tried-and-tested system application software. The proposed solution is to use the Model Driven Architecture (MDA)1, a UML-based development approach that separates the specification of system functionality from the specification of the implementation of that functionality on a specific technology platform. MDA allows a vehicle function to be modelled in a semantically rich UML [1,2] model which is completely independent of any implementation detail.

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.

This paper looks into the use of simulation software to develop and maintain diagnostic systems on Car networks. It is done through automatic code generation, while also taking advantage of the Real-time benefits of Simulation software. It will concentrate on the Key Word Protocol (KWP 2000) functioning along a CAN-BUS network as a means to illustrate the benefits of the design of such software. The paper will show the development of such software in its separate areas. Each area complies with the relevant ISO standards of Communication at the various ISO layers. It will also show how this is integrated with the external changeable data, using the SIMULINK Simulation software. This will be linked with Microsoft's Excel spreadsheet, allowing the separation of data from the application. Diagnostic code is then automatically generated. This code can be added automatically to an ECU to give it diagnostic functionality. This diagnostic design is easy to use and adaptable to existing models.

A modern automobile is becoming far more complex with the release of each new model. Complexity arises in the form of new mechanical devices, electronic devices and nowadays software components. With this increase in complexity, the job of diagnosing a fault is becoming increasingly difficult, as the service technician now requires detailed knowledge in a range of disciplines. This paper describes an Intelligent Diagnostic System (IDS) that was developed to intelligently diagnose faults in a multi-ECU (Electronic Control Unit) environment. Intelligence is achieved by diagnosing several faults while always attempting to isolate a “core” faulty component instead of simply returning a series of faults.

The Centre for Automotive Research WIT is developing a methodology and tool for optimally distributing OSEK Tasks throughout In-Vehicle Networks. This distribution methodology automates the OSEK Task - ECU allocation process, generating optimal solutions for the network, maximizing the number of OSEK Tasks per ECU and therefore allowing for either more complex functionality for the same ECU network or a reduction in the number of ECUs on the network. Overall, this should reduce development time and help save vehicle weight and costs.