The automation of driving functions is at the top of the agenda of the partnership that CARIAD has entered into with Bosch in the Automated Driving Alliance. The two companies want to develop an ADAS software platform that will be used in the vehicles of the Volkswagen Group brands, and therefore in one of the largest car fleets in the world. The initial focus is on the implementation of Level 2 and 3 driving functions.
Automation is Progressing
Level 2 means that the vehicle can drive semi-automatically by taking over longitudinal and lateral control, for example, when keeping in lane or changing lanes. However, the driver must retain control of the vehicle at all times and monitor the traffic situation. Level 3 means that the vehicle can drive fully automatically under certain conditions, such as on highways, without the driver having to intervene. The driver can focus on other activities but must be able to take back control at any time if the system prompts him to do so.
The MicroAutoBox III: Gateway between the Automated Driving Alliance target hardware and base vehicle.
Prototyping System for In-Vehicle Testing
For testing the automated control of actuators such as steering, brakes, and turn signals, both companies rely on a compact and robust in-vehicle prototyping system: the dSPACE MicroAutoBox III. It is used as a gateway between the Automated Driving Alliance target hardware and the base vehicle. The MicroAutoBox III runs various software components such as vehicle diagnostic state observer (VDSO), signal routing functions, and an algorithm to generate the required time stamps.
The MicroAutoBox III is a powerful and flexible embedded platform that combines a real-time computer with a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). It makes it possible to implement and test complex control and regulation algorithms as well as signal processing and communication functions in the vehicle. The MicroAutoBox III supports various interfaces and protocols, such as CAN, CAN FD, FlexRay, Ethernet, LIN, and SENT, and is therefore suitable for many applications.
Successful Collaboration
The Automated Driving Alliance has gained a great deal of experience with the MicroAutoBox III. It is used in around 40 vehicles in the development fleet.
dSPACE hardware and software tools have been used in various projects in the past and enable fast, flexible, and efficient development of the required functions in prototype vehicles. The hardware and software used enabled the prototypes used for development in the Alliance project to be delivered on time.
