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Abstract

A fault-resilient automobile control system integrates diverse and separate automobile components and provides fault-tolerance to component failure. The automobile control system includes a master control unit (MCU) electrically coupled via a primary data communications bus to the electronic automobile components. The MCU is master of the bus and manages data flow over the bus among the electronic automobile components. The MCU can be configured with a routing table to route data monitored in one component to one or more other components. The MCU is also capable of performing the same functions as those performed by local controllers at the electronic components. During initialization, driver software for all of the local controllers is downloaded and storded at the MCU. In the event that a local controller fails, the MCU executes the driver software for the failed controller to remotely control the electronic automobile component in place of the failed local controller. Switching logic is installed at each of the electronic components to selectively route data to the primary bus, circumventing the failed controller. The automobile control system has a secondary control unit (SCU) electrically coupled to the MCU via the primary bus. The SCU is a standalone computer that supports clients and other devices on a secondary support bus. The SCU is also configured to backup the MCU. During normal operation, the SCU is subordinate to and controlled by the MCU on the primary bus. In the event that the MCU fails, however, the SCU assumes control of the data communications network and manages the data flow among the electronic automobile components.

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First Claim