Architecting and Modeling Automotive Embedded Systems

Abstract: Dealing properly with electronics and software will be a strong competitive advantage in the automotive sector in the near future. Electronics are driving current innovations and are at the same time becoming a larger part of the cost of the vehicle. In order to be successful as an automotive manufacturer, innovations must be introduced in the vehicle without compromising the final price tag. Also, the electronics has to compete with, and win over, the dependability of well known and proven mechanical solutions.Structure related costs can be reduced by designing a modular system, volume related costs can be reduced by utilizing fewer electronic control units that shares software performing a variety of functions. To achieve a modular system careful consideration must be applied in the architecture design process. Architecting is commonly referred to as an art, performed in a qualitative manner. This thesis provides a quantitative method for architecture design and evaluation targeting modular architectures.The architecture design method is based on a simple underlying information model. This model is extended through practical experiences in case studies to include support for configuration and documentation.An information model is a key enabler for managing the increasing complexity of automotive embedded systems. The model provides the basis for establishing the analyzable documentation that is required to ensure the dependability of the systems, specifically in terms of need for reliability, maintainability and safety. An information model supports traceability both within the product, across components, and also between different organizational units using different views of the product throughout the lifecycle.Further, some general issues of systems engineering and model based development related to the engineering of automotive embedded systems are discussed. Considerations for introducing a model based development process are covered. Also, the maturity of development processes and requirements on tools in an automotive context are evaluated. The ideas and methods presented in this thesis have been developed and tried in an industrial setting through a range of case studies.