Structured software methods as applied to powertrain control

Rover has over the last few years evolved its MEMS range of modular engine management systems, which are now fitted to the majority of the model line. Although not a safety critical device, the integrity of MEMS is vital to the performance, driveability, fuel economy, emissions and reliability of the vehicle. Detailed attention to the engineering process has produced highly reliable combination of hardware and software, demonstrated by the fact that Rover has never had to arrange to modify MEMS in the field. Four areas in which this detailed process design has proved successful are described: (1) use of data dictionaries; (2) construction of state transition diagrams; (3) reviewing of RTSA (real time structured analysis) models; and (4) recursive design