Electronic Control Unit Program Verification via Dual Non-Volatile Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method of verifying a control program in electronic control units is delayed due to the slower data writing speed of EEPROM, leading to additional manufacturing processes and increased time before the control program starts.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control unit is designed with both a first and second non-volatile memory, where the control program is written to the first memory and an identifier for verification is written to the second memory, allowing the processor to choose between pre-existing or newly written identifiers to quickly verify the control program's correctness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the program identifier is written into the EEPROM after the control program is written in the flash ROM, then the control program verification is ensured, but the control program start time is delayed due to the slower data writing speed of EEPROM
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs the program identifier writing action in advance during the manufacturing process, before the control program needs to start. The identifier is pre-written into the EEPROM along with the control program in the flash ROM, so that when the control program needs to execute, the verification data is already available, eliminating the delay that would occur if writing happened at startup.
2Reliability
If the program identifier is written into the EEPROM before the control program starts, then the verification can be performed, but additional manufacturing processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the program identifier writing operation with the existing control program writing operation in the flash ROM. Both the control program and its verification identifier are written in a single manufacturing step using the same writing device, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing processes while ensuring both data items are available for verification.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic control unit includes a first non-volatile memory configured such that a control program is written thereto; a second non-volatile memory configured such that an identifier is written thereto; and a processor. The identifier is for verifying whether the control program is correct. The processor chooses either an identifier contained in advance in the control program or an identifier written in the second non-volatile memory, depending on how and/or whether the identifier is written in the second non-volatile memory. The processor verifies whether the control program is correct based on the chosen identifier.