Program Overview
This professional development course provides a comprehensive understanding of automotive Electronic Control Unit (ECU) electronics/electrical and software architectures. Participants gain knowledge of ECU design, functions, and operation, as well as sensor interfaces, microcontrollers, and fail-safe software techniques. The course combines lectures with hands-on laboratory sessions and demonstrations, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Automotive ECU and Software Architecture
This professional development course delves into the intricate world of modern automotive Electronic Control Unit (ECU) electronics/electrical and software architectures. It offers participants a thorough understanding of the design, functions, and operation of ECUs in both civilian and military vehicles.
Course Objectives:
- Equip participants with a comprehensive knowledge of vehicle electronic/electrical systems and their components.
- Explain the key functionalities and operational blocks within an automotive ECU.
- Deepen understanding of sensor interface types and signal conditioning requirements.
- Explore the principles of ECU microcontrollers/microprocessors and their associated peripherals.
- Define analog/digital sensor signal processing techniques.
- Explain software/firmware control blocks and their interaction with hardware components.
- Introduce fail-safe software techniques for reliable operation.
- Define power electronics and actuator control techniques commonly employed in modern vehicles, incorporating autonomous and driver-operated systems.
Course Description:
This hands-on course combines lectures with practical laboratory sessions and demonstrations, enabling participants to apply theoretical concepts and gain valuable practical experience. Upon successful completion, participants will receive certificates acknowledging their acquired knowledge.
Outline:
Core Content:
- Vehicle electronic/electrical fundamentals
- ECU fundamentals and hardware architecture
- Sensor interfaces and signal conditioning hardware
- Automotive microcontroller/microprocessors
- Actuator control/electric drive power electronics
- Power electronics semiconductor, applications, and selection
- Embedded software and fail-safe software implementation
- Vehicle real-time system design considerations
Schedule and Structure:
The course duration is 5 days, held at Cranfield University at Shrivenham. Specific course dates are available upon inquiry. The course structure combines theoretical lectures with interactive hands-on laboratory sessions and demonstrations, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience.
Individual Modules:
- Module 1: Vehicle electronic/electrical fundamentals
- Introduction to automotive electrical and electronic systems
- Key components and their functionalities
- Interactions and communication networks within the vehicle
- Module 2: ECU fundamentals and hardware architecture
- Understanding the building blocks of an ECU
- Hardware components and their roles
- Signal processing and control within an ECU
- Module 3: Sensor interfaces and signal conditioning hardware
- Overview of different types of sensors used in vehicles
- Signal conditioning techniques for accurate data acquisition
- Practical aspects of sensor integration and implementation
- Module 4: Automotive microcontroller/microprocessors
- Exploring the operating principles of microcontroller/microprocessor units
- Peripheral components and their functions within ECUs
- Programming techniques for automotive applications
- Module 5: Actuator control/electric drive power electronics
- Understanding the principles of power electronics for actuator control
- Applications of power electronics in contemporary vehicles
- Design considerations for electric drive systems
- Module 6: Power electronics semiconductor, applications, and selection
- Delving into the various types of power semiconductors
- Exploring their application in automotive systems
- Selection criteria for optimal performance and efficiency
- Module 7: Embedded software and fail-safe software implementation
- Introduction to embedded software development
- Fail-safe software techniques for ensuring reliable operation
- Practical examples of software implementation in automotive systems
- Module 8: Vehicle real-time system design considerations
- Understanding the challenges of real-time system design in vehicles
- Design considerations for performance, safety, and reliability
- Techniques for optimizing real-time system operation
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
- Continuous assessment: Throughout the course, participants' understanding and application of concepts will be evaluated through regular assignments, quizzes, and active participation in class discussions and laboratory sessions.
- Final assessment: At the end of the course, participants will undertake a comprehensive assessment to demonstrate their mastery of the acquired knowledge and skills. The format of the final assessment may include a written examination, a practical project, or a combination of both.
Assessment Criteria:
- Understanding of theoretical concepts related to automotive ECU and software architecture
- Ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations and problem-solving
- Competency in using relevant tools and techniques for ECU design, implementation, and testing
- Effective communication of technical concepts and findings
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The course employs a variety of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and ensure optimal knowledge retention. These methods include:
- Interactive lectures: Engaging lectures delivered by experienced industry experts and academic faculty, fostering active participation and discussion.
- Hands-on laboratory sessions: Practical sessions providing opportunities to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios and gain hands-on experience with ECU hardware and software tools.
- Demonstrations: Visual demonstrations of key concepts and technologies, enhancing understanding and promoting practical application.
- Case studies: Analysis and discussion of real-world case studies, providing insights into the practical application of automotive ECU and software architecture principles in various contexts.
Faculty:
The course is delivered by a team of highly qualified and experienced faculty, including:
- Dr Nalinda Hettiarachchi (Course Leader)
- Dr Irfan Ullah Khan
- Dr John Economou
- Mr. David Diskett The faculty members possess extensive expertise in automotive engineering, electronics, software, and related fields. They are committed to providing a stimulating learning environment and fostering the professional development of participants.
Unique Approaches:
The course adopts several unique approaches to enhance the learning experience:
- Focus on practical application: The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through laboratory sessions and practical demonstrations.
- Industry-oriented content: The course content aligns with current industry practices and trends, ensuring relevance and applicability to real-world challenges.
- Experienced faculty: The course is delivered by renowned experts with extensive industry and teaching experience.
- Collaborative learning environment: The course fosters an interactive learning environment, encouraging collaboration, knowledge sharing, and peer-to-peer support among participants.
