ECU Interfaces
In order to modify variables to adjust the ECU performance during calibration, the calibration tool must have access to the ECU's microcontroller memory. ATI supports the main methods of creating an ECU Interface.
Memory emulation is simply the replacement of the microcontroller's memory with a controllable piece of memory. The microcontroller is accessed directly in the form of a daughter board where the access to the replacement or microcontroller memory is a simple software switch command.
Memory Emulation can achieve the maximum bandwidth for ECU calibration and data acquisition with ATI's parallel memory emulators. Typical measurement rates are 300 to 400 data items every 10msec with exact time stamp accuracy. In addition, there is no dependency upon the processor and only minimal memory resources are required. The runtime behavior of the ECU is virtually unaffected.
To avoid possible network congestion during test, more microprocessor manufacturers are offering a built-in interface, or debugger port. Different manufacturers may call their ports different names such as JTAG, named after the Joint Test Action Group, Advanced User Debugger (AUD) or Real Time Debugger (RTD). ATI offers a series of A7 Interface Modules that connect directly to these debugger ports without the need for any additional hardware or connections or modifications to the ECU. If a port is available, the A7 Module can provide direct access to the microprocessor without impacting the ECU’s microprocessor at a lower cost than parallel interfaces or memory emulation.
Calibration and data acquisition typically occurs over a CAN network. Traditionally the ECU already has CAN communication making this interface to the ECU's microcontroller the lowest cost approach. Typical data rates are about 40 to 60 data items every 10 msec and bandwidth may be limiting, but you can take advantage of the existing connections to eliminate any extra hardware or intrusion into the target ECU.
Memory Emulation
Memory emulation is simply the replacement of the microcontroller's memory with a controllable piece of memory. The microcontroller is accessed directly in the form of a daughter board where the access to the replacement or microcontroller memory is a simple software switch command. Memory Emulation can achieve the maximum bandwidth for ECU calibration and data acquisition with ATI's parallel memory emulators. Typical measurement rates are 300 to 400 data items every 10msec with exact time stamp accuracy. In addition, there is no dependency upon the processor and only minimal memory resources are required. The runtime behavior of the ECU is virtually unaffected.
Serial InterfaceÂ
To avoid possible network congestion during test, more microprocessor manufacturers are offering a built-in interface, or debugger port. Different manufacturers may call their ports different names such as JTAG, named after the Joint Test Action Group, Advanced User Debugger (AUD) or Real Time Debugger (RTD). ATI offers a series of A7 Interface Modules that connect directly to these debugger ports without the need for any additional hardware or connections or modifications to the ECU. If a port is available, the A7 Module can provide direct access to the microprocessor without impacting the ECU’s microprocessor at a lower cost than parallel interfaces or memory emulation. CAN Network
Calibration and data acquisition typically occurs over a CAN network. Traditionally the ECU already has CAN communication making this interface to the ECU's microcontroller the lowest cost approach. Typical data rates are about 40 to 60 data items every 10 msec and bandwidth may be limiting, but you can take advantage of the existing connections to eliminate any extra hardware or intrusion into the target ECU.
