Vehicle architecture

🚗 Vehicle Architecture – Overview

📘 What is Vehicle Architecture?

Vehicle Architecture refers to the overall structural and functional layout of all electronic, mechanical, and software systems within a vehicle. It encompasses how different ECUs, sensors, actuators, networks, and software modules are organized and interact to deliver vehicle functionality.

🧠 Why is it important?

Modern vehicles are complex systems on wheels, often containing 100+ ECUs, multiple network protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet), and integrated software systems. A robust architecture: - Ensures modularity, scalability, and reuse - Supports safe and reliable operation - Helps in meeting compliance (e.g., AUTOSAR, ISO 26262) - Enables features like ADAS, infotainment, EV control, connectivity

🧩 Key Elements of Vehicle Architecture

1. ECUs (Electronic Control Units)

Act as the brains for specific vehicle domains (e.g., Powertrain, Body, ADAS)
Each handles sensing, control, and actuation
Examples: BCM (Body Control Module), TCU (Transmission Control Unit), ECU (Engine Control Unit)

2. Communication Protocols

Ensure reliable data exchange between ECUs
Examples:
CAN – Control Area Network (critical controls)
LIN – Local Interconnect Network (low-cost, slower)
Ethernet – High-speed (infotainment, ADAS)
FlexRay, MOST, UDS

3. Gateway ECUs

Route and translate messages across different network domains
Handle security, diagnostics, and service-oriented communication

4. ECU Extracts

Subset of system-level data/config relevant to a specific ECU
Used during development, integration, testing

5. Domains

Vehicles are divided into domains like:
Powertrain
Chassis
Body
Infotainment
ADAS
Connectivity / Telematics

🛠️ Benefits of Understanding Vehicle Architecture

Helps developers and engineers build modular and compliant systems
Allows efficient debugging, testing, and simulation
Supports traceability across software and system layers
Essential for Model-Based Development, AUTOSAR, and Diagnostics