Streamlining of Waveform Analysis in the Development of On-Board ECUs for EVs

Introduction

Continuous innovation in vehicle electronic controls drives performance improvements across all vehicle subsystems, largely due to the pervasive presence of electronic controls. These technologies are applied in various areas such as steering, engine management, EV motors, braking systems, automatic and continuously variable transmissions, as well as body-related functions like lighting and keyless entry. Additionally, electronic controls are utilized in navigation systems, airbags, batteries, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
These systems are centrally managed by an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), a specialized computer that control various electronic systems and subsystems, and plays a critical role in managing and optimizing vehicle performance and safety.
In designing and developing the hardware and software of ECUs, a key focus is on enhancing reliability while simultaneously speeding up the development process.

Challenges

In ECU evaluations, waveform measurements using oscilloscopes are conducted in accordance with evaluation specifications, such as verifying sensor output signals, checking the output signals when power supply voltage drops, and checking the timing between control and output signals.
During these evaluations, multiple ECU output signals may be measured while adjusting input signal parameters to verify timing relationships between various signals. Often, post processing and additional analysis is conducted with a PC.
When replacing electronic components in ECUs, waveform measurements are performed to compare the unit’s characteristics before and after the replacement. This comparative evaluation generates a large amount of data, further complicating post-measurement processing. As the number of measurements increases, the volume of data grows, leading to an increase in processing time.
Reducing the time and effort required for data processing can have a major impact on development speed and efficiency.

Solutions with the IS8000

• Comparing Multiple Waveforms on the Same Time Axis
• Checking Waveform Details using Zoom Displays
• Analyzing Waveforms using Math Computations
• Preparing Reports with Images

Explanation of Solutions with the IS8000

Comparing Multiple Waveforms on the Same Time Axis

The IS8000 enables offline analysis by allowing data measured with the DLM Series Oscilloscope and DL Series ScopeCorder to be displayed together on the same time axis.
Synchronization can be achieved in three ways—by aligning the absolute time, the start and end points of each waveform, or by the trigger positions of each waveform. Setting the trigger positions as a reference point is particularly useful for analyzing relationships before and after the triggered event.

Figure 1. Example of aligning two files using their trigger positions

Checking Waveform Details using Zoom Displays

Up to four simultaneous zoom displays are available, which allows detailed observation at multiple locations such as the rise and fall of a waveform.

Figure 2. Example of simultaneous four zoom displays

Analyzing Waveforms using Math Computations

After capturing waveforms, parameter measurements and cursor measurements are available. With the Extended Math Computation option, waveform computations and FFT analysis can be performed.

Figure 3. Example of parameter measurement

Preparing Reports with Images

The Report Generator Option makes it easy to prepare technical reports and layouts by simply dragging and dropping items such as measurement data, waveforms, graphs, and experimental conditions onto the sheet. Additionally, once a layout is created, it can be reused as a template for other tests. This can save many hours of manual report work as test conditions and measurements change.

Figure 4. Example of created report