STARTUP TALK EPISODE #39 | PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES USED IN CARS | WHAT IS ECU IN CAR ? | InterviewDOT
Channel: Interview DOT
Date: 2022-03-30

STARTUP TALK EPISODE #39 | PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES USED IN CARS | WHAT IS ECU IN CAR ? | InterviewDOT

What Is an Electronic Control Unit?

An electronic control unit (ECU) is a small device in a vehicle’s body that is responsible for controlling a specific function. 

Today’s vehicles may contain 100 ECUs or more, controlling functions that range from the essential (such as engine and power steering control) to comfort (such as power windows, seats and HVAC), to security and access (such as door locks and keyless entry). ECUs also control passive safety features, such as airbags, and even basic active safety features, such as automatic emergency braking.

Each ECU typically contains a dedicated chip that runs its own software or firmware, and requires power and data connections to operate. 

An ECU receives inputs from different parts of the vehicle, depending on its function. For example, a door lock ECU would receive input when a passenger pushes the door lock/unlock button on a car door or on a wireless key fob. An airbag ECU would receive inputs from crash sensors and from sensors that detect when someone is sitting in a particular seat. And an automatic emergency braking ECU would receive inputs from forward-facing radars that detect when the vehicle is approaching an obstacle too quickly.

The ECU would then communicate to actuators to perform an action based on the inputs. In our examples, the door lock ECU would activate an actuator that locks or unlocks the corresponding door. The airbag ECU would choose which airbags to deploy, depending on the location of the passengers, and then direct the actuators to deploy them. And the automatic emergency braking ECU would engage the brakes to prevent a collision.

As vehicle manufacturers continue to add features and functions, space is becoming an issue. That is, each new feature requires a new ECU, and OEMs are running out of places to put them. This incremental approach also becomes inefficient.

The next logical step is consolidation, or up-integration, to reduce complexity and make better use of space. Aptiv’s Smart Vehicle Architecture™ puts control of multiple functions into a domain controller. Safety features, for example, can be consolidated into a controller focused on safety, with features running in parallel software applications on the same hardware. With this approach, the role of dedicated ECUs will diminish as they are up-integrated into domain controllers, and the industry continues to move toward a future of software-defined vehicles.

Automotive - C/C++
C and C++ are the most widely used coding languages for the car manufacturers. The Motor Industry Software Reliability Association has even developed specific guidelines, MISRA C, meant to promote safety best practices for automotive software.

Is Python used in cars?
Python is the go-to programming language for testing new automotive systems such as steering control system, camera system, engine management system, parking system, break control unit. Automotive Electronics make use of Python for developing intelligent systems based on Machine Language and Artificial Intelligence.

How is C++ used in cars?
C++ is the mother language of embedded systems

So, a large number of ECUs run the transmission control, infotainment, engine management, passive and active safety systems (ABS and ADAS), navigation, security, and climate.

What programming language is used for Tesla?
C++, Python, and Java are the languages required in almost all job posts at Tesla. Additionally, Tesla requires a strong proficiency in Javascript for roles involving front-end programming.

Is Java used in cars?
In Automotive industry mainly Embedded C and some parts in assembly is used as it is easier for accessing the hardware. Still many other languages have been predominately used like Perl, Java, Python, Embedded C++, . net, Erlang etc to point out a few.

What programming language is used for autonomous cars?
C++
C++ is a programming language that is commonly used to program the onboard computer of autonomous vehicles

What is programming in automotive?
When you program a module, it is like putting gas in the gas tank. Essentially you are giving the module information to send out so that it can communicate to other modules of the vehicle and allow it to function. Most times, programming is taking a new module and downloading the data needed from the OEM's scan tool.

Does Tesla use Python?
Both of these languages are used heavily in building systems and apps for their cars. C++, Python, and Java are the languages required in almost all job posts at Tesla.