Today, flash programming ensures tremendous flexibility – across all ECUs and throughout the entire vehicle life cycle. The challenges that arise in terms of performance, processes and the volume of data can be managed easily with the right system architectures.
The flash programming of electronic control units (ECUs) in vehicles has now become widely accepted: There are anywhere between 3 and 120 ECUs depending on the market segment. These can usually be supplied with new software directly or via a gateway using a tester. This capability is used in a number of ways, although a vehicle interface currently has to be plugged in to mediate between the programming application and the ECUs. In the future, over-the-air updates will open up further possibilities.
Flash programming offers numerous degrees of freedom over the entire life cycle With increasing proportion of software in the vehicle and growing criticality of software functions, the need to be able to adapt ECUs is growing.
Challenges However, flash programming also poses a number of challenges in terms of performance, security and process definition. With regard to performance, which is crucial in view of the high data volumes, a holistic view of process and architecture is necessary.
Practical solutions in the areas of development, production and after-sales.
Remote Increases Efficiency In combination with the TCU, simple remote diagnostics is possible. This opens up new possibilities already in the development phase. A Functional Mock Up (FMU) can be supplied with new software directly from the office, and the same applies to vehicles in the prototype workshop.
