OTA Master Coordination for Single- and Dual-Bank ECU Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software update methods for vehicles with electronic control units (ECUs) having single-bank and dual-bank memories are inefficient due to differing recovery methods, leading to prolonged startup times when updates fail.
Innovation Solution
An OTA master system that receives and controls software updates for both single-bank and dual-bank ECUs based on their memory types, managing the update process to ensure efficient installation and activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If software update is executed for both single-bank and dual-bank ECUs using the same update process, then update simplicity is maintained, but startup time increases due to different recovery methods required
Solution Approach 1:
The update process is segmented into distinct sequences for single-bank and dual-bank ECUs. The controller identifies ECU type and applies appropriate update sequences: single-bank ECUs receive installation-only updates while dual-bank ECUs receive installation followed by activation. This segmentation allows each ECU type to undergo optimized updates tailored to its memory architecture, reducing overall startup time while maintaining operational simplicity through automated type identification.
2Loss of time
If separate update processes are used for single-bank and dual-bank ECUs, then startup time is reduced through optimized recovery methods, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller acts as an intermediary that automatically identifies ECU memory bank types and routes them to appropriate update sequences. This intermediary function manages the complexity internally while presenting a unified update interface to external systems. The controller examines ECU responses, determines bank configuration, and executes corresponding update protocols, thereby reducing startup time without exposing system complexity to users or external systems.
3Productivity
If update installation and activation are executed simultaneously for all ECUs, then update efficiency is maximized, but reliability decreases due to communication interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system executes update installation as a preliminary action before activation for dual-bank ECUs. The installation phase completes fully, writing update data to memory, before the activation phase begins. This preliminary separation ensures that if communication interruptions occur during installation, the ECU can recover using the previous version stored in the other bank, thereby maintaining reliability while still achieving efficient sequential updates across the vehicle network.
Data Source
AI summary
An OTA master includes one or more processors configured to: receive, from a center, first type update data for a first electronic control unit on which a first type non-volatile memory having one storage area is mounted, and second type update data for a second electronic control unit on which a second type non-volatile memory having two storage areas is mounted, the first electronic control unit and the second electronic control unit being included in a plurality of electronic control units mounted on a vehicle; and control software update for a plurality of target electronic control units of which pieces of software are to be updated among the electronic control units mounted on the vehicle, based on the first type update data and the second type update data.