How Have Vehicle E/E Systems Evolved? | #EnginEEringTheJigsaw | Episode F10

Summary

This episode of 'Engineering the Jigsaw Foundation Level' explores the evolution of e-vehicle electrical and electronic (EE) systems, tracing their development from the 1950s to the present. It highlights how vehicle technologies, like ABS and traction control, have advanced through the integration of ECUs and communication networks such as CAN, LIN, FlexRay, and Ethernet. The episode emphasizes how the sharing of data between ECUs has enabled new vehicle functionalities, with a focus on the increasing complexity of in-vehicle networks and their role in supporting modern capabilities. Future episodes will delve into the ongoing evolution of these systems.

Takeaways

• 😀 Vehicle EE systems started with minimal electronics in the 1950s, focusing only on basic components like lights and the starter motor.
• 😀 The 1980s saw the introduction of ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), marking the first major electronic systems in vehicles, primarily for skid control.
• 😀 The 1990s introduced the CAN (Controller Area Network) bus, enabling communication between multiple ECUs (Electronic Control Units) for more complex functions like traction control.
• 😀 Early traction control systems used ABS to prevent wheel lockup, but they lacked the ability to communicate with the engine control system to reduce power for better traction.
• 😀 By the early 2000s, ECUs and networks became more integrated, with gateway ECUs introduced to manage data flow between different bus systems (e.g., chassis CAN, powertrain CAN).
• 😀 Advanced networks like FlexRay and LIN were introduced to handle more sophisticated vehicle functions, including electronic suspension control and power steering.
• 😀 Ethernet technology emerged in the early 2010s for faster data transfer, particularly for infotainment systems and software updates, improving user experience and diagnostics.
• 😀 Despite the adoption of newer technologies like Ethernet and FlexRay, CAN remains a critical component for meeting OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) regulations, especially for emissions systems.
• 😀 Modern vehicles now rely on highly interconnected ECUs and networks, with hundreds of components sharing data to enable functions like electronic stability control and traction control.
• 😀 The future of vehicle EE systems will continue to evolve with more advanced technologies, particularly in autonomous driving, electric vehicles, and enhanced network capabilities.

Q & A

What was the state of vehicle electrical and electronic systems before the 1980s?

Before the 1980s, vehicles had minimal electronics. Basic components like lights and starter motors were present, but there were no advanced systems such as ABS or traction control. Vehicles relied heavily on mechanical systems, and driving too fast or braking too hard could cause issues like skidding or wheel spin.

How did the introduction of ABS in the 1980s change vehicle control systems?

The introduction of Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) in the 1980s allowed vehicles to maintain control during hard braking by preventing wheel lockup. It utilized sensors to detect wheel speed and modulated brake pressure to avoid skidding, marking the beginning of more advanced electronic control systems in vehicles.

What role did CAN bus play in vehicle EE systems in the early 1990s?

In the early 1990s, the introduction of the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus allowed ECUs in vehicles to communicate efficiently. This improved the coordination of functions like ABS and ignition control, enabling features like traction control where the ABS system could send data to the engine control unit to adjust engine power for better traction.

What were the limits of using a single CAN bus in vehicles during the late 1990s to early 2000s?

During the late 1990s to early 2000s, as the number of ECUs and the amount of data in vehicles increased, a single CAN bus could not handle the demand. The limitations included the number of connections that could be made and the amount of data that could be transmitted. This led to the introduction of gateways to segment CAN networks and manage data flow more efficiently.

What are some of the advanced networking technologies introduced after the 2000s in vehicles?

After the 2000s, advanced networking technologies such as FlexRay, LIN (Local Interconnect Network), and Ethernet were introduced. FlexRay enabled faster and more reliable data transmission for chassis control systems, LIN replaced multiple wiring with a single communication line for smart switches, and Ethernet supported high-speed data transfer for infotainment and software updates.

How did Ethernet change the way data was transmitted in vehicles in the early 2010s?

Ethernet began to replace slower communication protocols like CAN for high-bandwidth applications, particularly in infotainment systems. It allowed for faster data transfer, enabling features such as touchscreen displays and real-time software updates. Ethernet also supported diagnostics and multimedia data transfer within the vehicle.

What is the role of AUTOSAR Classic in modern vehicle EE systems?

AUTOSAR Classic, introduced in the mid-2000s, standardized ECU software in vehicles. It provided a framework for the development of complex automotive software and systems, allowing ECUs to communicate more effectively and ensuring compatibility between various components. This was especially important as the number and complexity of ECUs in vehicles grew.

How did the introduction of LIN improve vehicle wiring systems?

The introduction of LIN (Local Interconnect Network) allowed vehicles to replace multiple wires running to various ECUs with a single wire for communication. This simplified wiring systems and made it easier to manage features like smart switches, reducing complexity and weight in the vehicle's electrical system.

What is the significance of the introduction of gateways in vehicle EE networks?

Gateways were introduced in the late 1990s and early 2000s to manage the growing number of ECUs and data flows in vehicles. They allowed for the segmentation of networks, preventing overload on a single CAN bus by routing data between different buses (e.g., chassis CAN and powertrain CAN), enabling better performance and scalability of vehicle systems.

What challenges do vehicle EE systems face as they evolve and become more complex?

As vehicle EE systems become more complex, challenges include managing the increasing amount of data, ensuring effective communication between multiple ECUs, and maintaining system reliability. Additionally, the need for faster data transmission and more advanced functionalities places pressure on existing network technologies, prompting the introduction of new protocols like Ethernet and FlexRay.