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This paper will discuss advances in electronic component technology that has been developed specifically for failsafe and fault-tolerant automotive systems such as braking and chassis control systems. These systems need to be highly dependable, and exhibit predictable behavior in the event of a system fault. Such systems often perform many real-time self-checking operations to detect the occurrence of a fault. Integrated on-chip hardware can be used in such systems to help ensure that the dependable system can provide a ‘fail-safe’ operating mode. There are many different configurations of hardware used in such embedded systems to realize the fail-safe methodology, each having its own unique characteristics in terms of fault coverage, costs, complexity and performance. Hardware implementations, as opposed to software plausibility checks by a watchdog, are often advantageous and require less systems development effort.

The objective of this paper is to examine the state-of-the-art technologies driving the development of advanced electronic chassis control systems. In addition, the paper provides an overview of how the future systems will function and reveals the benefits to the consumer by these advanced solutions. Advanced electronic chassis control systems naturally segment into several categories including advanced electronic braking systems, advanced electronic steering systems, electronic suspension systems, and collision warning / avoidance systems. Together, these intelligent, automated, vehicle control systems offer the consumer a safer driving experience with a higher performing, more fuel efficient, and environmentally friendly automobile.

The objective of this paper is to provide an introduction to the main features of the Time Triggered Protocol (TTP/C) multiplexed communications protocol for fault-tolerant automotive systems. In future generations of vehicles there is a requirement for systems which provide highly dependable operation. Brake-by-wire and Steer-by-wire systems are being developed which have no mechanical / hydraulic back-up functionality in the event of an electrical system failure condition. These systems will be required to tolerate a system failure and continue to operate without catastrophic effects. The Time Triggered Protocol is a multiplexed serial communications protocol which has been developed over the last fifteen years to help meet the requirements of such systems. This paper will discuss the principles of TTP/C and explain the key elements which make it suitable for such applications.