ECU Fault Code Grouping for Aging Test Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for performing an aging test on engine control units (ECUs) require dedicated software development and installation, as well as additional reprogramming, which increases production time, complicates the process, and raises the probability of errors.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for controlling fault codes in ECUs that classify fault codes by engine or sensor components into groups, allowing for activation and deactivation of specific groups for testing without the need for dedicated software or reprogramming, using a fault code definition unit, control unit, storage unit, and communication unit to manage the testing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated software is developed and installed for aging test, then fault diagnosis capability is improved, but device complexity and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ECU's existing fault diagnosis software is designed to serve dual purposes: normal operation monitoring and aging test execution. The same fault diagnosis routine and code definition units are utilized for both production vehicles and aging tests, eliminating the need for separate dedicated software.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of existing fault codes rather than creating new software. By modifying the activation/deactivation status of fault codes through control units, the system adapts the existing diagnostic framework for aging test purposes without adding software complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If reprogramming is performed after aging test, then fault code accuracy is improved, but production time and error probability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fault code definition units and control parameters are pre-configured in the ECU before the aging test begins. The system prepares the appropriate fault code groups for activation/deactivation in advance, allowing the aging test to proceed without requiring post-test reprogramming operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The ECU automatically manages its own fault code configuration during the aging test through internal control units. The system self-adjusts the fault code activation status based on test requirements without external reprogramming intervention, eliminating the time-consuming reprogramming step.
3Reliability
If fault codes are activated for all components, then comprehensive diagnosis is improved, but test complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Fault codes are segmented into different groups corresponding to specific engine components or sensor systems. The control unit can selectively activate or deactivate entire groups of fault codes based on which components are being tested, allowing comprehensive diagnosis of targeted components while excluding others from the test scope.
Solution Approach 2:
The fault code activation status is made dynamic rather than static. The control unit can change the activation/deactivation state of fault code groups during different phases of the aging test, adapting the diagnostic scope to match the current test objectives and improving overall test efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for controlling, by an engine control unit, fault code, may include an engine control unit configured to have pieces of fault code classified according to the components of an engine or sensors for sending data to the engine and defined in the engine control unit as a plurality of groups and a tester configured to send activation/deactivation commands to one or more groups for the pieces of fault code defined in the engine control unit.