The Changing World of Automotive Electronic Control Units

This paper will outline changes in the automotive industry which affect the design and functionality of Electronic Control Units (ECUs) in automobiles. As more and more ECUs for functions such as ABS, Airbag, Engine control and Body electronics control are implemented, suppliers are faced with turning around less expensive, more functional designs faster, in order to remain competitive in a global market. This paper focusses on technological advances in the area of microcontrollers and system level development tools which lead to meeting the new challenges facing ECU designers.