Considering diagnosis functionality during automatic system-level design of automotive networks

Today, design automation approaches for automotive E/E-architectures focus solely on application functionality, neglecting firmware-related functionalities like diagnostic tests that are of utmost importance for quality features such as dependability or maintenance. However, the latter are typically considered dispensable since they do not provide direct service to the user. This paper proposes a novel approach for integrating optional diagnosis functionality into a holistic design space exploration of automotive E/E-architectures at system-level. Opposed to application functionality, hardware-diagnostics dig deep into the hardware-structures and, hence, require specific tailoring for the employed resources. A case study with Software-Based Self-Tests representing advanced diagnosis functionality gives evidence of the viability and efficiency of the proposed approach, highlighting the importance of a holistic consideration of application as well as firmware-related functionality.