Column Control DTX

Improving Coverage for ECU Outliers

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CONVENTIONAL AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRICAL test methods only test each output from the electronics one by one and sequentially. This leaves a gap in the test coverage where faults, or outliers that occur simultaneously due to unexpected outputs from the electronics, are not tested or checked. Let’s look at how to address this gap to ensure ECU outliers are covered. Automobiles these days are virtually moving computer systems, embedded with many electronic control units. As the brains of the automobile, ECUs control everything from the fuel or ignition timing to security or lights. For occupant safety, the function of all ECUs in the motor vehicle must be at tip-top condition. This means that every single control signal and data passing between the ECUs and other electronics or mechanical parts on the car must be as expected and without any uncertainty.

During ECU manufacturing, all input and output (I/O) signals from each unit are tested to ensure that they function as required by their specfications. Take the example of a Body Control Module that controls the headlights. Different signals are output from the BCM to control different settings of the headlights, such as high or low beam, left or right lights, fog lights, etc. The conventional test method tests each output individually to ensure the lights are turned ON and OFF correctly.

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Column Control DTX