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The paper presents a model-based approach to testing embedded automotive software systems in a real-time. Model-based testing approach relates to a process of creating test artifacts using various kinds of models. Real-time testing involves the use of a real-time environment to implement test application. Engineers shall use real-time testing techniques to achieve greater reliability and/or determinism in a test system. The paper contains an instruction how to achieve these objectives by proper definition, implementation, execution, and evaluation of test cases. The test cases are defined and implemented in a modeling environment. The execution and evaluation of test results is made in a real-time machine. The paper is concluded with results obtained from the initial deployment of the approach on a large scale in production stream projects.

The presentation describes a technical solution for 100 Mbit/s Ethernet Data transmission cabling. This solution considers the specific requirements of automotive wiring harness and manufacturing. It bases on standard automotive connectors and headers. Currently the development of automotive electronic architecture considers central ECU or data backbone structure for the upcoming EE architecture (e. g. single ECU for network; SEN). For these structures solid and cost effective data backbone solutions are essential. Ethernet, a wide distributed and well-known bus system for office and industry data distribution provide a wide range of software tools and many physical layer solutions. Several cabling systems are available. Based on this we propose a solution for automotive application.

Similar to single-brick SCR architectures, the multi-brick SCR systems described in this paper require urea injection control software that meets the NOx conversion performance target while maintaining the tailpipe NH3 slip below a given threshold, under all driving conditions. The SCR architectures containing a close-coupled SCRoF and underfloor SCR are temperature-wise more favorable than the under-floor location and lead to significant improvement of the global NOx conversion, compared to a single-brick system. But in order to maximize the benefit of close-coupling, the urea injection control must maximize the NH3 stored in the SCRoF. The under-floor SCR catalyst can be used as an NH3 slip buffer, lowering the risk of NH3 slip at the tailpipe with some benefit on the global NOx conversion of the system. With this approach, the urea injection strategy has a limited control on the NH3 coverage of the under-floor SCR catalyst.

Over the past 20 years automobile quality, and consumer perceptions thereof, have been an increasing part of the vehicle engineering process. In automotive systems, torque-induced handwheel vibration is a significant source of consumer annoyance. When dealing with torque recordings containing a single or very small number of sinusoids, a time-referenced signal can easily be manipulated to yield instantaneous torque estimates. As the number of sinusoids (orders) grows, however, this becomes more difficult. In this paper, the authors demonstrate a simple technique to effectively estimate instantaneous torque level of high-order torque components when there are many higher-order sinusoids. The point is made that basic signal processing techniques applicable to time-referenced signals are also applicable to those referenced to angle or other variables.

As automotive and commercial vehicle OEM's continue their quest to reduce cost, product selection, quality, and reliability must be maintained. On-engine and wheel located connection systems create the greatest challenges due to the extreme levels of vibration. In the past, devices were fewer, and there where less direct connects in high vibration locations (Engine/ wheel sensors, electronic controllers, fuel injectors). Instead, small wire harnesses (“pigtails”) were commonly used. These pigtails can dampen the effect of the environment which includes mild to severe vibration by keeping the environmental effect away from the electrical connection contact point. Electrically connecting directly to the device creates new challenges in the connection system with the increased threat of fretting corrosion. Suppliers supporting OEM's are attempting to meet these direct connect requirements with lubrication, precious metal plating, and high contact force contacts.

Thinwall substrates used in modern catalytic converters are more sensitive to assembly and operating forces. Various converter assembly processes are characterized using real time force transducer technology. The force distribution data from these assembly methods are presented. The analysis of this data leads to recommendations for packaging of converters depending on catalyst strength.

Close coupled catalysts and new ceramic catalyst substrates have significantly improved the light-off performance of automotive converters required to meet stringent emission requirements. The hotter environment of these catalytic converters and the lower structural strength of the ceramic substrates require the rethinking of converter designs. The development of new package requirements to accommodate the change in environment and new substrates are discussed. A historical perspective on converter durability is presented as reference. Development of durability test protocols is essential to verifying product durability performance to these new environments. Data collection and documentation of testing templates are shown to demonstrate the effectiveness of tests that represent real world environments. Design improvements to address failure modes are discussed along with durability improvement results.

Twenty plies of low density polyethylene (LDPE) were stacked and irradiated with 200 kGy of 5 MeV electron beam. The plies were analyzed by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) for crosslink density using melting point depression and equilibrium storage modulus respectively. Infra-red spectroscopic analysis was conducted to examine the samples for the presence of chemical modification. The thermal stability of the irradiated samples and an unexposed control was investigated using Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Results were utilized in assessing the viability of crosslinking products after the molding process to produce articles with improved resistance to temperature.

During the evolution of Hybrid vehicles as well as electrical vehicles the need for an additional Voltage level was defined for the utilization of high power loads like electrical compressors, electrical heaters as well as power steering and electrical pumps. The main systems benefit is the generation of approximately 12 kW electrical power by a traditional belt driven Generator. This allows boost function for acceleration and recuperation for mild hybrid vehicles with the target to reduce up to 15% CO2 by keeping the traditional thermal based engines. Delphi has developed systems and components that meet the special 48 Volt related electrical requirements on arcing, hot plugging and corrosion. Our benefit is the long term expertise within the total system know how and the derived technical specification and needs.

Vehicles with a large cabin volume incorporate two HVAC units to provide comfort to the front and rear cabin. Each HVAC unit can generate independent airflow volume, temperature, and airflow direction. A new HVAC unit was developed to achieve the performance and functionality of two HVAC units. A unique HVAC construction was used to achieve independent front and rear airflow volume, temperature, and airflow direction distribution. This integrated front and rear HVAC unit provides additional packaging space for other vehicle components and reduces the overall number of HVAC system components.

Wide varieties of vehicle Engine Management Systems are designed by different Tier#1 suppliers to meet highly complex requirements with the help of electronics. Emerging technologies and features of Engine Management Systems require a number of strategies for reducing the overall timing for verification with high quality testing. Analysis and decoding of data especially for highly critical and complex such as gasoline direct injection (GDi) engine fuel delivery output, high pressure fuel pump (HPFP), spark control output and different varieties of engine position signals are time consuming. This paper introduces Virtual Engine Control Module (VECM) technology to solve the problem of decoding complex signals and high level verification. A proposed test bench setup consists of VECM, ECM, simulator and real actuator load with complete software flashed inside the ECM.