Implementation of Post-Build Configuration for Gateway Electronic Control Unit : Gateway ECU to enable third-party update

Abstract: The development of embedded software in the automotive industry has reached a level of complexity, which is unmaintainable by traditional approaches. The AUTomotive Open System Architecture (AUTOSAR) was created to standardize the automotive software. In this architecture, the development of software is spread, in general, between three different entities: Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), e.g. Volvo; Tier-1 Suppliers, such as Vector; and Tier-2 Suppliers, for example, Renesas Microelectronics. Another methodology that has emerged is to develop Electronic Control Units (ECUs) domain wise: infotainment, chassis & safety, powertrain, and body and security. To allow inter-domain communication, the state of art for fast and reliable communication is to use a gateway ECU. The gateway ECU is a crucial component in the electrical/electronic (E/E) architecture of a vehicle. In AUTOSAR, a third party, different from the car manufacturer, typically implements the gateway ECU. A major feature for a gateway ECU is to provide highly flexible configuration. This flexibility allows the car manufacturer (OEM) to fit the gateway ECU to different requirements and product derivations. This thesis investigates the implementation of post-build configuration for a gateway ECU. First, the thesis provides the reader with some background on AUTOSAR and the current E/E architecture of the gateway ECU. The protocols used by the gateway are explained. The design of a potential solution and its implementation are discussed. The implementation is evaluated through regression tests of the routing functionality. Processing time, memory use, and scaling of the solution are also taken into account. The results of the design and the implementation if judged adequate could be used as a springboard to allow post-build in an existing gateway ECU architecture. The results could consolidate the path towards full conformance to AUTOSAR.