Diagnostics – UDS/ISO14229 implementation – automotive platform.

The Unified Diagnostic Service, UDS, is an industry wide protocol for diagnostics systems and tools to communicate with vehicle systems.

The client was developing a new vehicle platform and assigned EES Solutions with managing the vehicle side of the diagnostics, ISO14229, system.

The complete development was within the scope of the project, from specifications to define the services through to definition and release of ODX compatible component data files for individual ECUs.

Each vehicle system was analysed to determine what was diagnosable and how to deliver the diagnostic within the services of ISO14229. This information was fed back to the services and protocol definition specifications to ensure all features were catered for.

The standard core of UDS services were fully specified for the project, including re-flash via the J1962 connector.

Futureproofing and security were also high on the list of priorities for the project and lead to development of further specifications and features for Firmware Over The Air, FOTA, a system whereby the vehicle systems can be software updated via a secure over-the-air mechanism.

The main delivery phase of the project was to manage the supply base to deliver the ECU-level implementation of the services and ODX data for each system.
Aside from the core of the project, the team were able to provide additional tools to aid the test teams and supply base, e.g.
1. a configurable ECU re-flash tool
2. a standalone data collection tool which gathered all ECU part numbers and DTCs, Diagnostic Trouble Codes, for a vehicle and displayed the results on a bespoke HMI.
3. a CRC, Cyclic Redundancy Check, tool for use as part of the final checks on software download.
4. Creation of Security .dll files for use in the re-flash process.
5. CAPL scripting for use with Vector toolsets.
The final delivery to the client was a comprehensive and fully validated diagnostic solution for the vehicle.

The automotive industry is rapidly evolving. Demands from both regulatory bodies and the end of line customers across the world intensify as each model year passes. In this ever-changing automotive world, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have become a crucial component in meeting those demands and enhancing vehicle safety and improving the driving experience.

As a key integrator of these systems, for over 12 years, EES Solutions has been developing ADAS features for a customer who requires a systematic and efficient Systems Engineering approach to ensure the successful development and deployment of these technologies. Over that time period, the landscape has changed dramatically many times. In a constantly developing industry, where standards and techniques are updated and improved frequently, EES Solutions has employed numerous mechanisms, methods, and practices in order to deliver consistent quality.

In recent years, our ADAS development team has adopted an Agile methodology which is well-suited to ADAS feature development due to its iterative and incremental nature. It promotes flexibility, rapid adaptation, and customer collaboration throughout the entire development process whilst at the same time allowing for a strict adherence to the System V. By breaking down the project into manageable work units, the Agile methodology enables our team to continuously improve and ensure that our customer’s feedback is incorporated at each stage. Within this Agile lifecycle, our dedicated team of Product Owners, Chapter Leads, Scrum Masters, and System Engineers own the development and delivery into production of over 20 unique ADAS features, ranging from Adaptive Cruise Control, through to the latest in ADAS Level 2 lateral and longitudinal assistance.

With a target of 26 Model Year, our team also comprises a future technologies capability, currently developing the introduction of a State-Of-The-Art driver attention monitoring system. This system will not only be able to alert the driver to their own tiredness but will also be designed to prompt the driver to pay more attention to the task of driving and instigate the stopping of the vehicle, should the driver be unresponsive. It truly is an exciting time for EES Solutions.

As you would expect, Quality Assurance plays a vital role in our ADAS development. As our ADAS features are implemented, dedicated testing and validation processes are performed by the team to ensure the desired functionality and performance. This includes component testing in a Hardware in the Loop (HiL) environment and Integration and System-Level testing in the vehicle (ViL). By integrating testing activities throughout the development lifecycle, our team is able to identify defects and issues early, leading to faster resolution and improved overall product quality.

Many of the ADAS features our ADAS team have developed over the last 12 years are already in production across the world, and by the end of 2023, we will have added another 5 carlines to our portfolio of successful production deliveries.

Software over the Air (SOTA) – System created using Systems Engineering principles

Like mobile phones, vehicles have software performing many different tasks. With on-going improvements, the software needs to be updated. Frequent updates are now possible using the now improved mobile networks and broadband wifi.

Our client like most vehicle manufacturers have vehicles built with several different electronic control units (ECUs) controlling different funtions and features. Unlike new vehicles designed from the ground up, these ECUs were not designed to have remote capabilities. Supplied by different manufactures, the challenge to introduce a common system architecture that provided our client’s with a solution that met their needs required a thorough and rigorous approach.

The solution needed to be flexible enough to cater for different configurations and different vehicle platforms. It also needed to have traceability between stakeholder, requirements, solutions, and verification. The outcome needed to be reusable and easy to reference.

Our systems architect team worked from first principles to engage all stakeholders and capture their needs both from a business level and for the engineering outcome they required. A Systems Engineering approach using Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools provided a framework to robustly document the entire design lifecycle providing traceability and fexibility. Including change management , and a JIRA based task management provided the robustness required. Design iterations were catered for andDesign decisions and design iterations were fully documented. Working closely with both the client’s and the client’s supplier engineering teams the system was defined, designed, refined, and launched into production.

The SOTA system is now a fully functioning remote connectivity capability that not only provides the ability to download software updates, but provides diagnostic capabilities that improves their ability to recognise issues in field early and improve their product and in service offering.

With over 100 years in the businesses Senior team, EES Solutions have extensive experience in delivery complete whole vehicle solutions. Developing concept feasibility and attribute targets into tested and signed off vehicle comodities for Job #1. Our teams can be flexible to meet our customers needs, from integrated team members to a fully EES Sol managed stand alone team. 

Integrating into our Customer’s OEM processes, and adapting agile project delivery methodologies, EES Solutions have been able to take concepts from feasibility studies through to job #1 in 18 months for a luxury limited edition lifestyle vehicle. EES have been able to deliver 42 new and modified components in this compressed timeline, covering interior, exterior and chassis components. Meeting Customer deliverables and gateways to support a robust on-time launch.

Powertrain engineering is key to the decarbonisation of mobility. Here at EES we have both the knowledge and experience to help our customers
develop and refine current and future powertrain systems both in the areas of internal combustion and electrification.
With a team of engineers with a background in Automotive, Motorsport, Marine, Off Highway, Rail and Power Generation we are able to help our customers meet challenges head on
and provide solutions to the different powertrain technologies that will co-exist during the transition to a low carbon economy.
Whether it be in the areas of design, control, development, test or prototype build EES can assist your business in providing the products that both legislation and the market demand.

Value Analysis is a process that involves evaluating the components, functions, and costs of a product, system, or process to identify opportunities for improving its value. The goal is to optimise performance and quality while minimising unnecessary expenses.

Value Engineering is a problem-solving technique used to enhance the value of a product, system, or process. It focuses on analysing functions and costs to identify innovative and cost-effective alternatives that maintain or improve quality and performance.

In this case study, EES Solutions was tasked with conducting a Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE) analysis of a waste water network data logger. A water network data logger is a device utilised to gather and record data related to flow rates, water depth, and other parameters within sewage or drainage systems. The collected information is then wirelessly transmitted to a central data storage facility. EES Solutions began by meticulously dismantling the system into its individual components and conducted a thorough assessment of the bill of materials and bill of process to determine the should cost. Following this evaluation, the design was carefully reviewed, leading to several recommendations to the customer on potential future redesigns that would reduce costs while preserving critical functionalities.

These valuable findings were subsequently employed in a future sourcing event to provide our customer with a guide price. EES Solutions’ expertise in VA/VE analysis played a pivotal role in assisting our customer in optimising their waste water network data logger’s design and achieving cost efficiency.