ECU Nonvolatile Memory Layout for Updates and Failure Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic control devices in vehicles face inefficiencies in using nonvolatile memory for program updates, as the reserved area for updates reduces available storage, and updating control programs while the vehicle is running is inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electronic control device with two switchable storage areas in nonvolatile memory, where one area is active for executing the control program and the other is reserved for updates, allowing arbitrary data to be written in the inactive state when not updating, thereby optimizing memory usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a reserved area is allocated in nonvolatile memory for updating the control program, then the control program can be updated even when the vehicle is running, but the storage area available on the nonvolatile memory is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The inactive storage area is designed to serve dual purposes: it functions as a reserved area for control program updates when updating is needed, and serves as general storage for arbitrary data (such as failure information, diagnostic data, or temporary files) when no update is pending. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by allowing the same physical space to fulfill different roles at different times, thereby maintaining both update capability and storage availability without requiring permanent dedicated space.
2Productivity
If two storage areas are allocated in nonvolatile memory for alternating updates, then the control program can be updated without vehicle shutdown, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nonvolatile memory is segmented into two distinct storage areas with clearly defined roles: an active area for currently executing control programs and an inactive area for updates or alternative data storage. This segmentation simplifies management by establishing fixed protocols for switching between areas, reducing the complexity that would arise from more dynamic or flexible memory management schemes. The segmentation enables efficient updates while maintaining manageable system complexity through structured organization.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic control device includes a nonvolatile memory having allocated two storage areas that are exclusively switchable between an active state and an inactive state, the storage area in the active state being used to store a control program to be executed, and the storage area in the inactive state being used as a reserved area for updating the control program. In the electronic control device, when the control program is not updated, arbitrary data is written in the storage area in the inactive state.