Functional and Architectural Specification for Power-Train Control System Design

Abstract The design of power-train controllers is among the most challenging problems in automotive electronics because of (i) the complexity of the functions that the system has to support, (ii) safety aspects, (iii) the interaction among mechanical-electrical components and (iv) tight cost limits. Time-to-market requirements and continuously changing specifications have contributed to the migration of most functions to software implementations. We have developed a paradigm for the design of power-train controllers based on a new set of principles such as function-architecture co-design and platform-based design. This method has allowed us to increase dramatically the re-use of design effort while leveraging IC technology. This approach has been facilitated by the introduction of new advanced system design environments based on the principles mentioned above. This methodology is suitable for any type of mechatronic system in which a correct balance among mechanical, electronic and information technologies is essential for selecting an efficient implementation.