Vehicle Diagnostics - A System View
Theodore M. Cummings, Michael J. Hall · SAE technical papers on CD-ROM/SAE technical paper series · 1990
Vehicle multiplex is widely accepted as a means of interconnecting various electronic modules. When viewed from a broader perspective, information retrieved from the vehicle's diagnostic port can be disseminated system wide. Test data can be compiled in statistical process control reports. Reports such as first time through capability or raw failure data can then be utilized by manufacturing, dealer service centers, and back to the designer. Effective use of the test data would help reduce product design cycles and help determine root cause problem solving. Ultimately verification and validation of vehicle components can be done at one time. Quickly responding to new market opportunities and the demand for quality products to increase customer satisfaction is an industry wide concern. Test data from vehicle electronic modules now need to be obtained in a prompt and discerning manner. All segments of an organization from designer, manufacturing, product planning and others need to be kept abreast of how their area of product responsibility is performing. With the advancement of automotive electronics, vehicle multiplex with built in diagnostics may offer an unlikely source of valuable statistical data, helping reduce design time and improve quality. For example, the Chrysler C2Dtm bus(l)(2) can monitor and report status of all modules on the bus.