1 Introduction
In order to improve safety, to reduce emmission and
fuel consumption or to improve comfort and driver
information, a rapidly increasing number of vehicle
components are controlled by open-loop and closed-loop
systems, which consist of sensors, actuators and
electronic control units (ECU). Typical examples are
powertrain control systems such as engine and
transmission management, active suspension and braking
systems such as ABS (Anti Blocking System) and ABC
(Active Body Control) or navigation systems. The
development process of such systems is illustrated in
figure 1, where three major levels can be identified:
1. the mechatronic vehicle system, such as an engine
management consisting of the engine, sensors and
actuators as well as the ECU
2. the ECU typically consisting of a standard
microcontroller (e.g. Siemens 80C167), specific
signal processing and controller IC’s as well as the
necessary packaging, power supply and power
electronics components
3. the control software, consisting of open-loop and
closed-loop control algorithms, communication and
management functions as well as onboard diagnostics.