Exploiting Pretended Networking for Energy Saving in Automotive Networks

In this paper we propose an approach on energy management in automotive CAN networks based on static scheduling of AUTOSAR runnables. The approach exploits the energy saving potential of the pretended networking mechanism defined by AUTOSAR. The mechanism selectively turns the Electronic Control Units (ECUs) into a lower power mode while they are not permanently used during operation. In the first step, our approach allocates as much continuous slack time as possible to enter pretended mode by static scheduling. In the second step, further optimization is achieved by exploiting the varying response times of the CAN messages in different vehicle states. At last, an online algorithm puts the ECUs into pretended mode dynamically during vehicle operation. Experimental results of the first optimization step show up to 31.3% saving potential of the ECUs energy consumption. Additional 8.2% energy saving can be achieved by the second optimization step. The proposed online algorithm can save up to 30.3% more energy compared with the pure static approach in the first step.