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This paper presents an approach to the design of automotive applications based on the client/server architecture, which has been well established in office automation. The basic client/server model is first discussed in the context of automotive requirements. This new function oriented approach is then compared to the previous, device oriented approach. After the introduction of basic components the communication mechanism is discussed with regard to the fundamental procedures, data representation and protocol implementation. Its usage is then explained by an example. Finally, after presenting the results of this study, there is an outlook to future work as well as to possible collaboration with others partners in order to achieve further standardization.

The design of automotive electronics is a highly cooperative, distributed process between car manufactures and suppliers. Due to significant increase of quality, cost, and time to market demands, several initiatives have been founded over the last years to address the increasing demand for standardization both for automotive electronics and vehicle based software. The German MSR consortium has concentrated on design tools and information exchange between manufacturers and suppliers, whereas the OSEK/VDX consortium has concentrated on the establishment of basic software components for open system architectures. To address future demands, these activities have to be consolidated and complemented by initiatives addressing the systematic improvement of the concurrent design processes as well as the appropriate qualification of engineering personnel.

In the following essay, vehicle, and test stand related measuring and calculating methods will be introduced which have proven to be a suitable basis for the discussion of the criteria of driving mechanics for commercial vehicles (1 to 23). Because of the progress of electronics development these methods are reliable and quickly performed today. In connection with tire and brake characteristics, which are the basis for measuring driving maneuvers, and with the knowledge of axle and wheel movement, a purposeful and physically correct evaluation of the driving behavior of vehicles is possible. With the aid of complex mathematical vehicle substitution systems it is already possible to accurately estimate tendencies in the pre-development stage of a vehicle.