Automotive

A Paradigm Shift

The automotive industry has undergone remarkable transformations over the last ten years. With advancements in electrification, automation, and connectivity at the edge, the pace of change will only increase. Most of these systems are not necessarily new technologies, but new uses for technologies that already exist. Our diverse group of subject matter experts that have been involved in engineering these type of systems for most of their careers, teaming up with our in-house lab, give us a unique capability set to substantiate patent use as well as understand technology trend development. 

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One of the biggest challenges of analyzing these systems is that they are designed to not function outside of the vehicle, mainly for theft and security reasons. If the systems do not sense all of the appropriate signals, they shut down. We have worked closely with one of our equipment vendors to develop a test bed that generates hundreds of signals that allows us to replicate most, if not all of the systems that drive the main control units, giving us access to signals in a controlled environment.

Our new lab capability is combined with the other capabilities listed below to give us unique observability into the technologies deployed in the latest vehicles.

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• Software and Firmware Analyzers: Tools like disassemblers, decompilers, and debuggers are used to analyze the firmware running on ECUs and other microcontrollers. Common tools include IDA Pro, Ghidra, and OllyDbg. These tools allow our engineers to inspect and modify the code to understand its behavior and functionality.

• Oscilloscopes and Logic Analyzers: These devices are used to monitor electrical signals and communications between electronic components. For instance, they can capture communication protocols like CAN (Controller Area Network), which is commonly used in vehicle electronics.

• Can Bus Analyzers: The CAN bus is a crucial communication protocol used in modern vehicles to allow ECUs and sensors to communicate. Can bus analyzers enable researchers to capture and interpret the data traffic flowing through the network, helping them understand the interaction between various components in real time.

• JTAG (Joint Test Action Group) Debugging: JTAG is a standard for debugging and programming microcontrollers. It is often used for reverse engineering ECUs and extracting low-level code from embedded systems, especially when software is locked or inaccessible.

• Circuit Board Scanners and Microscopes: To reverse engineer physical hardware, our engineers may use tools like X-ray scanners, electron microscopes, and digital microscopes to study the inner components of automotive circuit boards, such as microcontrollers, resistors, capacitors, and other discrete components.

Example systems used in current EV or Hybrid vehicles:

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1. Powertrain Control Systems

These systems manage and optimize the vehicle's engine, transmission, and hybrid/electric powertrains.

• Engine Control Unit (ECU): The ECU is responsible for controlling various engine functions, including fuel injection, ignition timing, and air-fuel ratios, to optimize performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions.

• Transmission Control Unit (TCU): This system regulates the automatic transmission, controlling gear shifts and optimizing engine performance and fuel efficiency.

• Battery Management System (BMS): In electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles, the BMS monitors and manages the battery's charge, health, and temperature to ensure optimal performance and safety.

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2. Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)

ADAS technologies provide assistance to drivers to improve safety, convenience, and control.

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): This system adjusts the vehicle's speed to maintain a safe distance from the car ahead, automatically accelerating or decelerating.

• Lane Departure Warning (LDW) & Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): These systems monitor lane markings and alert the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane or take corrective action to steer the vehicle back into the lane.

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): AEB systems detect potential collisions with obstacles or pedestrians and apply the brakes automatically if the driver does not respond in time.

• Collision Detection and Avoidance: Using radar, cameras, and lidar, these systems help detect objects or vehicles in the vehicle's path and can take corrective actions, including braking or steering, to avoid accidents.

• Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): BSM sensors detect vehicles in the driver's blind spots and alert them if it is unsafe to change lanes.

• Parking Assist: This system provides automated or semi-automated parking assistance, using sensors and cameras to guide the vehicle into parking spaces.

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3. Infotainment and Connectivity Systems

Infotainment systems provide entertainment, navigation, and connectivity features to enhance the driving experience.

• In-Car Navigation: GPS-based navigation systems help drivers find their way with real-time traffic updates, routing, and points of interest.

• Touchscreen Displays: These displays control various vehicle functions, including media, climate control, and vehicle settings.

• Bluetooth Connectivity: Allows drivers to pair their smartphones with the vehicle to make hands-free calls, stream music, or use apps.

• Voice Recognition: Voice-activated systems allow drivers to control infotainment, navigation, and even vehicle settings without taking their hands off the wheel.

• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay: These systems integrate smartphones into the vehicle’s infotainment system, offering seamless access to apps, music, messaging, and navigation.

• Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates: Vehicles can receive software updates remotely, improving functionality and adding new features without the need for a visit to the dealership.

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4. Climate Control Systems

These systems maintain optimal cabin comfort for passengers.

• Automatic Climate Control: Regulates the cabin temperature, airflow, and humidity based on user preferences and external conditions.

• Heated and Cooled Seats: Allows for seat temperature adjustment for enhanced comfort.

• Air Quality Control: Monitors and filters cabin air, ensuring a clean and fresh environment inside the vehicle.

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5. Lighting Systems

Modern lighting systems go beyond traditional headlights, enhancing both safety and aesthetics.

• Adaptive Headlights: These headlights adjust their direction and intensity depending on vehicle speed, steering angle, and road conditions to improve visibility and prevent blinding other drivers.

• LED Lighting: Energy-efficient LED lights are used for headlights, tail lights, interior lighting, and ambient lighting.

• Daytime Running Lights (DRLs): These lights automatically turn on during the day to improve vehicle visibility and safety.

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6. Chassis Control and Suspension Systems

These systems ensure the vehicle handles and rides smoothly while improving safety.

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC): ESC detects and reduces loss of traction by applying brakes to individual wheels or adjusting engine power, preventing skidding or rollover accidents.

• Electronic Suspension Control: Modern vehicles use electronically controlled shock absorbers that adjust to road conditions in real-time, improving ride comfort and handling.

• Traction Control System (TCS): This system prevents wheel spin during acceleration by adjusting engine power or applying brakes to individual wheels.

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7. Vehicle Security Systems

Advanced electronics have significantly enhanced vehicle security.

• Keyless Entry and Push-Button Start: These systems allow the driver to unlock and start the vehicle without removing the key fob from their pocket or bag.

• Alarm Systems: These systems detect unauthorized access to the vehicle and trigger an audible alarm to deter theft.

• Immobilizers: An immobilizer system prevents the engine from starting unless the correct key or fob is detected, making it more difficult for thieves to steal the vehicle.

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8. Sensors and Monitoring Systems

Vehicles are equipped with an array of sensors to monitor and control critical functions.

• Cameras: Cameras are used for various functions, including rearview, parking, and driving assistance (e.g., lane-keeping or collision detection).

• Radar and Lidar: These systems use radio waves or laser pulses to detect objects and measure distances, contributing to functions like adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance, and autonomous driving capabilities.

• Pressure and Temperature Sensors: These sensors monitor tire pressure, oil temperature, engine temperature, and other critical parameters to ensure vehicle safety and performance.

• Rain Sensors: These sensors automatically detect rain on the windshield and activate the wipers at an appropriate speed.

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9. Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Systems

In addition to traditional internal combustion engines, modern vehicles may include electric or hybrid powertrains that require specialized electronics.

• Inverter: In electric vehicles and hybrids, inverters convert direct current (DC) from the battery into alternating current (AC) to power the electric motor.

• Regenerative Braking System: This system recovers energy during braking and stores it in the battery, increasing efficiency and range in electric and hybrid vehicles.

• Charging Systems: Vehicles with electric powertrains include charging systems that control how the battery is charged from external power sources (e.g., wall outlets or charging stations).

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10. Wireless and V2X Communication

Vehicles are increasingly connected to each other and the surrounding infrastructure through wireless communication systems.

• Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) Communication: V2V systems allow vehicles to communicate with each other, sharing information such as speed, location, and road conditions, which can be used to avoid collisions and optimize traffic flow.

• Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) Communication: V2I communication allows vehicles to interact with traffic lights, road signs, and other infrastructure, enhancing safety and traffic management.

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