Critical embedded automotive networks

Designing automotive computer systems is a very challenging task, involving stringent cost requirements along with a need for highly reliable operation in adverse environments. Nonetheless, electronic and computer-based features are proliferating in vehicles, leading to widespread use of embedded real-time control networks [Leen02]. In the next few years, networked vehicle control will reach a level of sophistication that requires giving up mechanical linkages between the driver and the vehicle in exchange for additional performance and safety features. In such vehicles, networked computers will control vehicle operation just as they do today in fly-by-wire aircraft designs.