ECU Software Optimization via XCP-on-Ethernet ECU Software Optimization via XCP-on-Ethernet | HBM

Easy Software Parameter Tuning by Additional Sensor Data via XCP-on-Ethernet

With the increase of size and complexity, functional software development plays a crucial role in any kind of vehicle. Algorithms running on modern Electronic Control Units (ECUs) need to be fine-tuned before the vehicles' release and maintained regularly. ECU fine-tuning and optimization start in a simulated environment at the PC, but is still dominantly validated in real conditions in a test bench or mobile test on a track.

Additional sensor data improves physical insights and is fundamental for a quick optimization and software release. Adding QuantumX measurement modules and its highly universal inputs, gathering all sensor types in a scalable way, allows overlaying all data sources – in-vehicle sensors and bus signal data add-on sensors.

Pulling all data into the same workflow with the standardized XCP protocol is easy and very flexible. All this ensures a friendly integration into your existing software tool and testing setups for Measurement, Calibration and Diagnostics (MCD), optimizing embedded software.

ECU Calibration and Diagnostics

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QuantumX & SomatXR: Flexible, High-quality Measurements Delivered via XCP-on-Ethernet

With the measurement and data acquisition system QuantumX and its ruggedized version SomatXR, HBM offers unique functionality and flexibility. By supporting established standards in communication such as Ethernet TCP/IP v4/v6, XCP-on-CAN/FD, CAN/FD, and in parallel real-time integration via EtherCAT and PROFINET, it lifts digital integration to a new level. The new XCP-on-Ethernet functionality it makes ECU software optimization easier and quicker than ever:

  • Integration of any sensor input measuring mechanical, electrical, hydraulics, thermal, flow quantity
  • High-speed and accurate A/D with patented noise suppression technology
  • Standard or ultra-ruggedized version or a combination of both
  • Ruggedized version with IP65/IP67, MIL-STD shock and vibration, –40 – 80°C temperature range and dew point resistance
  • Freely scalable from four to a few hundred channels and distributable - such as installation with short sensor lines close to the test specimen

The new HBM gateways QuantumX CX27C, and SomatXR CX27C-R, both support the standardized XCP-on-Ethernet protocol as a client. The free software MX Assistant allows quick and easy setup and diagnosis from any PC.

 

Learn more: QuantumX CX27C ­     Learn more: SomatXR CX27C-R ­

QuantumX CX27C Gateway
QuantumX CX27C
SomatXR CX27C-R
SomatXR CX27C-R

XCP-on-Ethernet and New Gateways QuantumX CX27C and SomatXR CX27C-R - Benefits:

  • XCP-on-Ethernet client feature included (50-100 times faster than CAN)
  • Support of XCP Version 1.4 but also backward compatible to Version 1.0.
  • Free MX Assistant setup software included
  • Channel configuration by extendable sensor database or automatically by smart sensor support (TEDS, IEE1451.4)
  • Generation of overall setup as A2L file and reading into MCD tool
  • Parallel integration into EtherCAT or PROFINET
  • HBM catman software for any other test and measurement job

 

How to Integrate Sensor Data?

Optimization ('calibration') of ECU software algorithms is an established method in bench and mobile testing. It is typically done using the following setup:

  • Measurement, Calibration and Diagnostics (MCD) PC software tool
    (QuantumX XCP slave service tested with PUMA Open by AVL, INCA by ETAS, CANape by Vector, ControlDesk by dSPACE, DiagRA® X by RA Consulting or VISION by Accurate Technologies Inc (ATI))
  • LLink to vehicle network and single or all electronics (ECU):
    CAN FD / CAN, SAE J1939, LIN, FlexRay, Automotive Ethernet, and diagnostic protocols
  • Measurement modules like QuantumX or its ruggedized version SomatXR for additional high-resolution versatile sensor information, time-syncronized with the overall parameter and signal data, additional video and GNSS

ECUs: Control Centres in Vehicles

The functionalities of a vehicle or aircraft are mainly packed as software in embedded computers and control units (ECUs). The parameters controlling functionality are stored in dedicated memory and can be addressed directly via standardized routines. To read or edit ('calibrate') these parameters, the data needs to be transferred via a standardized protocol to a specific MCD (Measurement Calibration Diagnosis) tool set to be analyzed and processed in a manual or automatic way.

Software optimization has several touch points in software engineering: from Rapid Controller Prototyping (RCP), via Software-in-the-Loop (SIL), Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) and bench testing towards mobile testing and overall finishing of a complete vehicle. It´s to be found in domains such as powertrain, chassis control, braking, body/comfort and active safety.

Touch points, where true physical insights are key optimizing ECU algorithms and functionality, are system analysis right in the beginning, first prototype testing in vehicles or in bench testing applications and overall vehicle fine tuning and finishing in proving grounds or on public roads. In these primary application areas software engineers are looking at real or simulated test scenarios.

XCP: Standardization by ASAM

ASAM - Association for Standardization of Automation and Measuring Systems, envisions that in a development process chain, standardization helps tools to be freely interconnected and data to be seamlessly exchanged. The tools are used in the process to develop and validate vehicles, their components, and their control systems.

The term XCP is based on the ASAM standard CAN Calibration Protocol (CCP). The initial version of XCP from 2003, was designed primarily for ECU development, calibration and testing in the automotive industry. Today, ASAM MCD-1 XCP is a standard for basically all leading tools in the measurement calibration area. ASAM MCD-1 XCP is necessary to read and edit the memory of the ECU. The data exchange between the ECU and the tools can thus be tuned by optimizing the parameters of the ECU´s algorithms.

As HBM is a member of ASAM, exchange and cooperation with other vendors in the market help us give customers the maximum flexibility in reaching their project targets.

Technical Documentation

Title / DescriptionLanguage
Tech Notes
TECH NOTE: QuantumX / SomatXR Integration into CANape

This TECH NOTE describes how to integrate QuantumX / SomatXR into CANape via standardized XCP-on-Ethernet.

 English
TECH NOTE: QuantumX Integration into ControlDesk from dSPACE

This TECH NOTE describes how to integrate QuantumX / SomatXR into ControlDesk software set up as XCP master via standardized XCP-on-Ethernet.

 Multilanguage

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