Managing the diversity of systems technologies for automotive electronic control

The scale, complexity and criticality of vehicle based software is increasing. Much of this software is procured by the vehicle manufacturers from electronic component suppliers. Ford Motor Company worldwide has many years of experience in developing power-train management control systems, which includes control strategies and software, for a very broad range of powertrain products. The design and development standards, techniques and support tools now in use have evolved dramatically. They are the basis of a commitment to both the generation of in-house high quality, robust and reliable powertrain control systems and are to be used as a standard for the procurement of systems from external suppliers. The author discusses control system modelling techniques, failure mode effect analysis and management, the control strategy specification, the calibration methodology and combining in-house and supplier developments