The Programming of Cars: Beyond Self-Destruction and Test Drives

Ever wonder about the inner workings of a car’s software? The evolution and programming of these digital marvels are intricate and fascinating. We delve into the world of program cars, the software development process, and the modern updating techniques used in contemporary vehicles.

What is a Program Car?

Let’s start with a term often shrouded in mystery: a program car. In contrast to our everyday concept of a used car, a program car is a vehicle driven by members of the auto lot such as the owner, General Manager, Sales Manager, or Finance officials. These cars are not titled, hence they are not considered used. Once a consumer purchases a car and titles it in their name for registration, the vehicle becomes a used vehicle. Program cars are driven exclusively for internal purposes and are not intended for public sale.

So, what does it mean to program a car? Simply put, it involves both creating the software and downloading it into the vehicle’s systems. This process ensures that the car operates as intended, maintaining its functionality and safety standards.

Creating the Software

The software that runs a car’s internal systems, such as the engine control unit (ECU), is built using sophisticated programming languages and frameworks. Commonly, this software is created using languages and frameworks rooted in automotive standards:

MISRA C: A set of guidelines for developing safety-critical software in the automotive industry. AUTOSAR: A standard for developing automotive electronic systems that ensures reliability and interchangeability of components. MATLAB: A programming environment widely used for algorithm development, modeling, and simulation.

Most of the code for the ECUs is generated from models created in MATLAB or AUTOSAR, reflecting the integration of simulation and hardware in the modern software development process. The SW development lifecycle in automotive is unique, balancing rigorous testing and integration with efficient deployment.

Downloading the Software

Modern cars are equipped with numerous Electronic Control Units (ECUs) that are interconnected via various automotive buses such as CAN, LIN, VLAN, FlexRay, and BroadR-Reach. These units communicate with each other to regulate different aspects of the car. To update the software on these units, automotive boot loaders play a crucial role. These boot loaders are similar to other Boot Loaders but communicate with the diagnostic protocols of the car, such as ISO 14229 Unified Diagnostic Services (UDS) and rarely ISO 14230 Keyword Protocol 2000.

To update the software, an updater tool connects to the car through the OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) connector. For some ECUs, the tool may connect directly, whereas for others, a gateway ECU acts as the middleman. In recent models, a dedicated Vehicle Connectivity Module (VCM) facilitates over-the-air (OTA) updates using WiFi or 3G. Without the VCM, the process is more complicated and time-consuming.

The updating process can be lengthy, with some updates taking over an hour. However, for simpler cars, partial or incremental updates are much faster. The VCM’s role is significant as it processes the update image and handles the diagnostics communication with the boot loaders of other units.

Conclusion

The programming of cars is an essential aspect of their development and functionality. From creating sophisticated software to implementing seamless update processes, the automotive industry is continually evolving to ensure safety, efficiency, and user convenience.

Understanding the intricacies of program cars and the software they run can help those in the automotive industry and enthusiasts appreciate the complexity of modern vehicles.