Real-Time Flexible Vehicle Control Apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus on an integrated circuit provides a real-time flexible interface between inputs from a vehicle components and outputs to the vehicle control components. The functions comprises of a programmable interconnection matrix, engine sensors and a control interface. Both engine sensors and control functions comprise of fixed hardwired functions and a customization hardware area. The apparatus therefore provides means for flexible powertrain events control target for the next generation of low-polluting power trains of vehicles.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The invention generally relates to vehicle control and more specifically to an integrated programmable solution for electronic control of the new generation of low polluting and fuel efficient powertrain of vehicles.[0003]2. Prior Art[0004]At both national and international levels, states are setting legislations and standards that impose on vehicles to be either more fuel-efficient or more environmental friendly by limiting CO2 and other pollutant emissions. These include, for example, EURO 6 and EC 443 / 2009 in Europe, CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standard and EPA (Environment Protection Agency) regulation in US and MOE (Ministry of the Environment) emission standards in Japan. In parallel, leaders of the automotive market are working on a common frame, the ISO 26262 standard, to make electrical / electronic systems, embedded in vehicle, more reliable. In countries such as China and India such regulations, const...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Thus the growing engine complexity trends implies simultaneously an increase of powertrain systems variants and a noticeable increase in the number of sensors and actuators and of the amount of data required to be processed concurrently in real-time resulting in an increasing latency of the electronic system and costs issues.

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