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Systems and network integration is a major challenge, and systematic analysis of the complex dynamic timing effects becomes key to building reliable systems. Very often, however, systematic analysis techniques are (considered) too restrictive with respect to established design practice. In this paper we present lessons learned from real-world case studies, in which OEMs have used the new SymTA/S scheduling analysis technology to evaluate different network choices with minimum effort. Thanks to its flexibility and supplier independence, SymTA/S can be applied in non-ideal situations, where other, more restricted technologies are inherently limited. Finally, we put the technology into relation with ongoing standardization activities.

The increasing functionality and complexity of future electric/electronic architectures requires efficient methods and tools to support design decisions, which are taken in early development phases 6. For the past four years, a holistic approach for architecture development has been established at Mercedes-Benz Cars R&D department. At its core is a seamless design flow, including the conception, the analysis and the documentation for electric/electronic architectures. One of the actual challenges in the design of electric/electronic architectures concerns communication behavior and network topologies. The increasing data exchange between the ECUs creates high requirements for the networks. With the introduction of FlexRay 21 and Ethernet the automotive network architecture become a lot more heterogeneous. Especially gateways must fulfill many new requirements to handle the strict periodic schedule of FlexRay and the partly event-triggered communication on CAN-busses 23.