Host Computer Control Program Compilation and Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for developing and testing control programs for electronic control units (ECUs) are limited by the need for external target devices and restricted diagnostic capabilities, particularly in the early phases of development, which hampers flexibility and speed in testing production code.
Innovation Solution
A method and computer system that allows for selecting simulation modes and compilers within a technical computing environment, enabling the conversion of block diagrams to production code, compilation on a host computer, and execution to test control programs, with the option to use any compiler suitable for the host computer, independent of certification with the technical computing environment, facilitating faster and more flexible testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If processor-in-the-loop co-simulation is used for detailed code validation, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the need for external target devices and restricted diagnostic possibilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a software copy of the ECU's processor functionality within the TCE environment. Instead of requiring physical connection to the actual ECU hardware, the control program is compiled and executed as software on the host computer, replicating the target processor's behavior. This allows detailed code validation without the complexity of external target devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a compiler and software execution environment as an intermediary between the TCE and the target ECU. This intermediary layer enables the control program to be tested in detail through software simulation while maintaining the ability to interface with the actual ECU when needed, thus reducing the direct complexity requirements.
2Reliability
If processor-in-the-loop simulation is used for detailed validation, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation and speed deteriorate due to restricted diagnostic possibilities and late phase applicability
Solution Approach 1:
By creating a software copy of the processor execution environment within the TCE, the patent makes detailed code validation accessible throughout the entire development process rather than only in late phases. Developers can compile and test control programs using the same compiler that will be used for the actual ECU, maintaining reliability while improving ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If off-line simulation with TCE-certified compilers is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and diagnostic capabilities deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the host computer's compiler serve multiple functions: it compiles both the simulation code and the control program for the ECU using the same toolchain. This universal approach allows developers to use their existing TCE environment and compiler for both simulation and production code compilation, maintaining ease of operation while improving measurement precision through consistent compilation settings and enhanced diagnostic capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for testing a control program that is modeled as one or more blocks of a block diagram in a computing environment. A first user interface is provided for selecting a simulation mode for the block diagram and a second user interface is provided for selecting a compiler intended for production code compilation. When it is confirmed that a software-in-the-loop simulation mode has been selected in the first user interface, the blocks of the block diagram are converted to a production code and is compiled to an executable using the compiler selected in the second user interface. By running the executable on the host computer while recording one or more data points based on input/output signals and/or evaluating the compliance of the one or more data points to one or more criteria, the control program corresponding to the one or more blocks is tested.