Model Based Top Down Process for Automotive E/E-Architecture Development

Model based architecture methods for designing and optimizing electrical and electronic systems of vehicles are becoming more and more popular. However, there is still no standard on the models which are vital for design and description of architectures. Most methods and tools begin with a functional abstraction. The functional elements are mapped to electronic control units [ECU] which are connected through bus systems and supplied with electrical power via clamps.

An open, unanswered question is the determination of specific control unit numbers and location in a vehicle platform. To do so, a new model layer is proposed: the “technological model” with so called “technological building blocks”. It sits in-between the “functional model” and the “communication model” and describes the necessary constraints for designing the optimum number and position for electronic control units.