ECU Function Grouping for Cross-Control Unit Test Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing control units in vehicles, ships, and aviation do not adequately assess combinatorial coverage of functions, leading to incomplete understanding of mutual dependencies and potential misinterpretation of test quality, which can result in safety issues during operation.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves testing at least two control units, dividing their functions into groups, determining connections between them, and combining results to provide a comprehensive assessment of cross-device relationships, enabling targeted safeguarding and improved safety quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual requirements are tested sequentially using classic V-model test design techniques, then test execution is straightforward and requirements are tested one at a time, but combinatorial coverage cannot be determined and interdependencies between control units are overlooked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the testing process into distinct phases: individual requirement testing, connection determination, cross-product formation, and combination result generation. This segmentation allows each phase to be handled separately while maintaining overall test quality and identifying interdependencies systematically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of analysis by forming cross-products between tested functions and their connections to other groups. This transforms the testing from a single-dimensional sequential process to a multi-dimensional combinatorial analysis that reveals interdependencies between control units.
2Measurement precision
If functions are divided into safety-relevant and other groups and cross-products are formed to achieve comprehensive combinatorial coverage, then test quality and interdependency detection are improved, but testing complexity and computational effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between safety-relevant functions and other functions, applying different testing and analysis depths to each group. This allows comprehensive combinatorial coverage for safety-critical areas while maintaining efficiency in less critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary determination of connections between tested functions before forming cross-products. This preliminary action identifies which combinations are relevant, reducing the computational effort required for comprehensive combinatorial coverage.
3Reliability
If comprehensive cross-product analysis is performed between all tested functions, then complete combinatorial coverage is achieved, but test execution time and resource requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by focusing cross-product formation primarily on safety-relevant functions and their connections, rather than exhaustively analyzing all possible combinations. This achieves sufficient combinatorial coverage for safety assurance while reducing test execution time.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for testing electronic control units (ECUs), a computer program, and a computer program product. A test circuit and a corresponding test device are also presented. The method for testing ECUs is provided. Functions to be tested are divided into different groups. After these functions have been tested individually, they are combined with other related functions. Several ECUs are considered, allowing conclusions to be drawn about combinations of mutually influencing functions of different ECUs.