ECU Memory Writing Authentication for Flexible Engine Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current method of managing electronic control units (ECUs) for internal combustion engines requires manufacturers to stock multiple versions of ECUs with different part numbers and configurations, leading to increased industrial and warehouse costs due to the need for in-house memory writing and authentication processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for writing software objects into ECUs that utilize a seed code-based authentication system, generating multiple key codes based on identification codes, allowing authorized users to write or overwrite memory, thereby reducing the need for multiple ECU configurations and stockholding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the engine manufacturer writes in-house the memories of all ECUs and assigns different part numbers for each configuration, then the security and control over engine software is improved, but the industrial and warehouse costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal authentication mechanism where a single ECU hardware design can serve multiple configurations through software objects stored in rewritable memory. The authentication system accepts multiple identification codes (first identification code for manufacturer, second identification code for authorized users), allowing the same physical ECU to be securely configured for different engine applications without requiring separate hardware variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of the ECU from fixed configuration to reconfigurable by implementing rewritable nonvolatile memory. The authentication system enables dynamic writing of software objects (control programs and calibration data) that modify the ECU's operational parameters. This allows a single ECU type to adapt to different engine configurations through software updates rather than hardware changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ECUs with different part numbers are kept in stock for each configuration, then the adaptability to different engine configurations is improved, but the warehouse and inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal ECU platform that can be configured for multiple engine applications through software objects stored in rewritable memory. The authentication system with multiple identification codes enables the same hardware to serve different customers and applications, eliminating the need for separate inventory for each configuration while maintaining full adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the ECU from a static, fixed-configuration device to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The rewritable nonvolatile memory allows software objects to be updated and changed after manufacturing, enabling the ECU to adapt to different engine configurations on-demand rather than requiring pre-configured static variants in inventory.
3Quantity of substance
If a single ECU type with customizable configurations is used, then the inventory costs are reduced, but the security against unauthorized writing may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by establishing an authentication barrier before allowing writing to the rewritable memory. The authentication system verifies the identity of the writing device against stored identification codes, preventing unauthorized modifications before they can occur. This proactive security measure protects the single ECU type from tampering while maintaining reconfigurability for authorized users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication system that mediates between the writing device and the ECU memory. The authentication mechanism acts as a gatekeeper, verifying credentials and controlling access to the software objects. This intermediary layer enables secure single ECU design by ensuring that only authorized entities can modify the configuration, maintaining security while allowing customization.
Data Source
AI summary
It is hereby disclosed an apparatus for and a method of writing software objects into a rewritable nonvolatile memory of an electronic control unit of an internal combustion engine, wherein the method comprises: receiving an access request from a memory writing device, generating a seed code, transmitting the seed code to the memory writing device, generating a first key code on the basis of the seed code and a first identification code, generating a second key code on the basis of the seed code and a second identification code, receiving a reference key code from the memory writing device, comparing the reference key code with the first key code and/or with the second key code, and enabling the memory writing device to write software objects into the rewritable nonvolatile memory, if the reference key code corresponds to the first key code or to the second key code.