Distributed Test Logic in Network Interface Devices for Automotive Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implementing ISO 26262 for functional safety in in-vehicle networks connected by ECUs is challenging due to increased system complexity and cost, particularly in monitoring health and detecting failures in advanced automotive applications like ADAS and autonomous driving, where centralized testing approaches overwhelm network bandwidth and require extensive maintenance ECU knowledge.
Innovation Solution
A network interface device with distributed test logic is introduced, located between the network interface and functional component interface, capable of generating and storing test vectors and results locally, reducing network traffic and providing flexibility in transmission, and preconfiguring test information for specific functional components to alleviate maintenance ECU burdens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If centralized testing approach is used to monitor health and detect failures in ECUs, then functional safety is improved, but network bandwidth is overwhelmed and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized testing architecture into distributed testing units at each ECU node. Each ECU performs self-diagnostics and generates test data locally, segmenting the monolithic testing function into independent modular units that operate autonomously across the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single centralized testing dimension to a multi-dimensional distributed testing architecture where testing occurs at multiple levels: individual ECU self-testing, regional controller coordination, and central monitoring aggregation, adding spatial and hierarchical dimensions to the testing system.
2Reliability
If centralized testing approach is used to detect failures in ECUs, then functional safety is improved, but maintenance ECU knowledge requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each ECU is equipped with self-diagnostics capabilities that automatically detect and report their own status and failures. The ECUs perform self-testing of functional components and generate diagnostic data without requiring external testing intervention, enabling the system to serve its own monitoring needs.
Solution Approach 2:
Regional controllers act as intermediaries between individual ECUs and the central monitoring system. They aggregate test data from multiple ECUs in their region, perform preliminary analysis, and forward consolidated information centrally, reducing the knowledge burden on maintenance personnel by providing layered abstraction.
3Loss of energy
If distributed test logic is implemented in network interface device, then network traffic is reduced and flexibility is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the network interface functions with distributed test logic into an integrated network interface device. The test logic is merged with the existing network interface hardware and software, allowing test data to be processed and filtered at the network layer without requiring separate dedicated testing hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The network interface device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a communication interface and as a distributed testing unit. The same device performs dual roles: facilitating data transmission across the network and simultaneously executing local testing functions, eliminating the need for separate specialized testing devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of a device and method are disclosed. In an embodiment, a network interface device is disclosed. The device includes a network interface configured to provide an interface to a network, a functional component interface configured to provide an interface to a functional component, and distributed test logic located in a path between the network interface and the functional component interface and configured to manage test information related to testing of the functional component and to communicate test information between the network interface and the distributed test logic and between the functional component interface and the distributed test logic.