ECU Reprogramming Architecture for Single-Bank Microcontrollers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single-bank microcomputers in control devices face challenges in performing reprogramming while maintaining vehicle control functions during travel due to increased program size and encryption requirements, leading to prolonged downtime.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a first arithmetic processing device and a second arithmetic processing device, where the second device performs preprocessing on rewriting programs and transmits them to the first device, allowing simultaneous execution of reprogramming without interrupting vehicle control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reprogramming is performed in a single-bank microcomputer during parking, then security requirements (encryption and electronic signature verification) are met, but the downtime for users increases because the vehicle cannot travel until reprogramming is completed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the microcomputer system into two separate arithmetic processing devices: a first arithmetic processing device that executes the operational program and a second arithmetic processing device that performs reprogramming. This segmentation allows reprogramming to occur in the second device without interrupting the execution of the program in the first device, thereby eliminating user downtime while maintaining security requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The second arithmetic processing device performs preprocessing on the rewriting program in advance, including decryption and electronic signature verification. By completing these security-critical operations before the actual program rewriting, the system ensures security requirements are met while the first device continues to execute the operational program without interruption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If program size increases due to CASE technological innovation, then functional capabilities are enhanced, but the time required for reprogramming increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reprogramming workload between two arithmetic processing devices. The second device handles the time-consuming tasks of decryption and electronic signature verification for the large program, while the first device continues operational execution. This parallel processing approach allows large programs to be reprogrammed without proportionally increasing user downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The first arithmetic processing device continues to execute the operational program continuously during the reprogramming process in the second device. This continuity ensures that the vehicle's control functions remain active throughout the reprogramming of larger programs, preventing interruptions despite increased program size.
3Device complexity
If a single-bank storage device is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reprogramming cannot occur during vehicle travel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second arithmetic processing device specifically for reprogramming operations, effectively creating a dual-bank functional architecture without requiring a dual-bank storage device. This segmentation enables reprogramming to occur independently in the second device while the first device maintains vehicle control functions, thereby improving reprogramming efficiency without increasing storage device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An object is to shorten a time required for reprogramming of a control device including a single-bank microcomputer. An ECU 901 is a control device including a first microcomputer 1 and a second microcomputer 2 that execute a program stored in a rewriting area 13 in which a memory bank is configured as a single bank. The second microcomputer 2 includes a preprocessing unit 214 that performs preprocessing on a rewriting program 5 in reprogramming processing of rewriting the program stored in the rewriting area 13 into the rewriting program 5, and a transmission unit 213 that transmits the preprocessed rewriting program 5 to the first microcomputer 1. The first microcomputer 1 includes a reception unit 121 that receives the rewriting program 5 transmitted from the second microcomputer 2, and a writing unit 122 that writes the received rewriting program 5 in the rewriting area 13.