To create a modern, competitive car, you need software that accurately designs the product, tests and points out possible shortcomings in operation. And all this in virtual world before the product leaves the assembly line.
Dassault Systemes is a leader in the development of automotive design software.
The corporation owns 11 software brands that are sold in Asia, America and Europe. These products include 3-D modeling, manufacturing simulations, fluid dynamics software, and more. The corporation offers software not only for automakers, but also for geologists and miners. Popular products of the company are computer-aided design system - CATIA, CAD (computer-aided design systems) and a software package for automating the work of an industrial enterprise at the stages of design and technological preparation of production - SOLIDWORKS.
In mechanical CAD (computer-aided design systems) the company is the first on the market. 14 out of 16 automakers use CATIA. It is noteworthy that Dassault Systemes' first customer producing cars was Honda, back in the early 1980s. Before that, Dassault Systemes dealt only with the aerospace industry.
The way cars are designed and built has changed dramatically over the last 20 years. Before the advent of powerful computers and 3-D CAD in the 1970s, legions of draughtsmen in ironed trousers and skinny ties were pressing pencils and grinding through tons of information. Slide rules and T-squares dominated the process, slowing down work and adding to the cost of the car.
In those days, every component of a vehicle had to be experienced "live". With the advent of 3-D modeling and 3-D simulators, they began to do this virtually.
Let's take crash tests as an example. The production of one "live" model for one crash test will cost the manufacturer 25 thousand US dollars. Costs increase with every new design step. Make adjustments for unsuccessful tests and processing of some parameters of the car, for the appearance every year of new types of crash tests, like "", and you will understand why some auto concerns went bankrupt. Computers and special software help to reduce costs, which predicts the behavior of a car participating in a crash test, even before the unfortunate dolls land there.
Databases that store information on projects of past years, all the successes and failures of the development team also help. The engineer no longer needs to re-read a lot of literature and reports. Everything is stored in one database in the form of practical tables and abstracts.
Latest developments from Dassault Syatemes
Dassault Syatemes, this year, developed the Target Zero Defects program, which helps automakers and supply companies prevent a potentially defective component from entering the assembled vehicle before it is released to the assembly line.
The engineer puts the parameters of the new vehicle into the program and Target Zero Defects virtually tests the operation of the vehicle's electrical and mechanical systems, identifying failures and the causes of failures. As a result, when a motorist turns on the wipers in the vehicle, the wipers will go off, not the horn or headlights.
The constant competition of automakers increases the likelihood of errors in the design and manufacture of a car. Now the new Target Zero Defects software from Dassault Systeme will deal with such problems.
Any the electronic unit vehicle is connected to a diagnostic bus - a digital line that allows on-board electronics to interact with diagnostic equipment. Here lies the first problem: although theoretically there is a single OBD-II standard that standardizes the method of communication with the ECU and the type of connector, it only applies to injection systems. Reach out to blocks ABS, SRS and so on through the protocol OBD- II is impossible. But even in injection systems, company-specific error codes and status data coding are often used: when diagnosing an absolutely serviceable car with a program that is not suitable for its computer, you can see data that is incompatible with reality.
What tasks does a diagnostic scanner perform? There are many more of them than is commonly thought.
- Reading current and saved data. The most primitive devices are capable of reading only stored and current errors, but for diagnostic purposes, such things are practically useless: without the ability to correctly read the current data (air consumption, throttle opening degree, lambda probe voltages), the device is more of a toy than a real tool.
- Actuator testing. Depending on the degree of integration of on-board electronics, it is possible to check the health of many electromechanical components: from turning on the gas pump to testing the wipers (if the controller controls the motor, of course).
- Adaptation of sensors and actuators. A number of complex units require forced coordination with the ECU: setting the zero position of the throttle servo, setting the debit of piezo injectors on diesel engines common rail and so on.
- Changing the configuration. Most of the blocks are universal for the entire family of cars, and they set the configuration corresponding to a specific configuration (for example, the number and location of airbags are registered in the airbag controller). The simplest examples of reconfiguration - changing the dashboard language, activating on-board computer, disable faulty airbags.
In the ranking of the best, we tried to take into account both affordable simple autoscanners, usually bought by car owners for their own use, and professional equipment. The only exception is dealer scanners designed for specific car brands: the price of such complexes is several hundred thousand rubles, and there is no dealer equipment in the wide sale - you can only find cheap ones. Chinese clones.
The most important thing in car diagnostics is not the “tricked out” of the device, but the professionalism of the person using it. Therefore, when buying a diagnostic scanner for personal use, it is worth considering whether this will be a waste of money, and is it not better to turn to a real diagnostician?
In the age of high technological ideas, there is nothing surprising in the fact that various smart programs are constantly being released that can help a person in his work related to various fields of activity. The path of motorists, for whom useful utilities were invented, was no exception. It is noteworthy that today an ordinary smartphone can replace an experienced adviser, and free programs for and various services will help you create important notes, optimize costs, etc.
The video shows how to properly use a tablet or phone in a car:
Computers, laptops, smartphones and useful programs for them
People about ten years ago only dreamed of such an opportunity as having a computer in a car. At that time, it was possible to imagine a smart device that does almost half the work instead of the driver, but it was most like fantasy movie. The then motorists were unaware that a smart computer is capable of navigating through special programs, independently checking the engine through the OBD2 connector, monitoring and even keeping a special diary, which lists all the driver's trips.
At first, the role of such an assistant was performed by bulky computers, then laptops - light and productive. But these digital assistants have become unnecessary with the release of smartphones and tablets.
Today, smartphones and tablets with programs for motorists are as commonplace as or. Simultaneously with the vast market of convenient mobile devices, other segments began to develop, no less important and also intended for owners of "iron horses" - various useful applications for motorists, the so-called online programs. In our age, despite the mass of useful functions that car manufacturers supply, mobile programs and online services are needed more than ever. We have tried to find in this article the most useful and the right tools for the motorist, without ignoring various paid and free navigation applications and programs, as well as services that can solve complex problems.
It is no secret that a car, especially in our country, has always been difficult to maintain. Yes, it is not a luxury, but a means of transportation, but this phrase was invented by the Americans, who have a different view of things. In our country, sometimes our beloved “iron horse” takes more than a luxury item. With such a unique situation, we, motorists, should be grateful to specialists working in car services who pull and pull money from the wallet of a naive driver who got to them; employees who ate a dog in a topic related to the quality of gasoline and its additives, etc.
It would seem that you can keep track of all the expenses if you get together and start living like a practical German. But not every Russian succeeds in this, and if it were not for useful applications and programs, such as a fuel cost accountant or a program for assessing the cost of car ownership, our drivers would have had a hard time.
Fuel gauges and useful sites
The video shows how to control fuel consumption using GPS GLONASS:
These programs are absolutely free and today they are among the simple tools that save the driver from stress and constant headaches. Instead of a motorist, they will track the constants and give a report on the work done. The Fuel Manager program is simple enough to start by setting a breakpoint or refueling regularly to a full tank. You can do it differently. Note the moment when the light comes on, indicating that the fuel is running out.
Fuel Manager is not the only such program. Another, no less popular application is the "Fuel Meter", which is designed to calculate the average consumption based on any indicators. In addition to the fact that the program saves information about the fuel used, it also allows you to simultaneously set a reminder - a utility that is tied to the car's mileage. For example, in this way it will be possible to program a reminder that the time has come to change the oil, because the car has already “plowed” 10 thousand km.
Other programs, in comparison with simple fuel gauges, differ in a set of large functions. For example, such popular programs as "My Machine" or Beepster are already designed for a comprehensive accounting of expenses associated with periodic maintenance And . These programs also allow you to set reminders. The main task of such digital notebooks is to calculate the conditional cost of 1 km of travel. In addition, these programs remind the driver of important service procedures, such as or brake pads.
Video review of the Fuel Manager application:
Mobile utilities are also attached to web servers to facilitate car maintenance. In particular, a server such as drivernotes.net makes it possible, in addition to basic functions, to obtain data on the cost of servicing a certain car model by all owners, which is useful in the process.
Another site called cars.auto.ru will help you quickly find any advertisement for the sale or purchase of a car. The driver receives access to this service-program both through the browser and through the mobile application. Searching for ads is very easy, because they open if you type the brand, year of manufacture or other parameters in the search. The site also provides an opportunity to get the contacts of the owner or client.
The popular and promoted portal avito.ru, instantly and by teleportation, as the commercial shows, among other things, offers to search for sellers / buyers. Interestingly, this resource has a very convenient mobile program for Android.
Another service is called "From hand to hand" and also has its own representative in mobile Google programs play.
It is noteworthy that when searching for cars, a person does not need to refer to several sites. It is enough to use the services of some aggregator, for example, such as auto.yandex.ru. This resource offers, in addition to the client program, also an excellently optimized mobile version of the site. "Iron horses" here can be selected according to various parameters, including such ambiguous ones as " family car for country walks. And that is not all. The service allows you to track price changes. By the way, a site similar to this bezrulya.ru differs from analogues in convenient function, car models.
If it used to be in vogue to communicate with friends via SMS, today it is in the past. Social networks and special programs allow you to do this much faster and get more comfort.
Interestingly, at one time there were popular applications that contained a large number of so-called useful points. They were displayed on the map, and they included not only tire fitting points, car services, but also bistros, hotels, and even attractions of a particular city or country. Today, such information has migrated to the pages of navigation programs such as Yandex. Useful in this regard, and Google, and the same "City Guide", and other programs.
Video review of a useful application for motorists - "Parking":
I would like to note that services that allow you to find not only the nearest gas station, but also their fuel prices, still keep a “mansion”. One such program that is respected by motorists is Multifuel. This service is a search interface, as well as a map with gas stations, which is periodically updated by the gas station database. This includes information about the availability of toilets, cafes, etc. The data can also be updated by users of the multigo.ru portal. Here you can not only receive necessary information, but also make changes through the application, if you register as a user.
You can also show your location on the map. This is done by a special service Google Plus. It allows you to attach location tags to photos or posts on social networks such as Facebook and VKontakte. Though he's not the only one doing this.
There are special services that display the coordinates of the driver or even his route in Live mode. These services include the free program Glympse. The program will allow you to open your location for a certain period of time, for example, until you get to the meeting place. This is done by sending a link to a friend or acquaintance, following which on the map you can see your location or route.
It is worth noting that it is better to tie some important matters not to a certain time, but to a certain point in space. For example, when driving near a store, you need to remember to buy bread. So a kind of “reminder” is connected when the car drives past the store. Most mobile applications contain a lot of useful options, for which location reminder is the only target function. Although there are more advanced applications such as "Map Reminder". The program is absolutely free and allows, in addition to creating and storing notes, to download an accompanying map to your phone.
Various schedulers can be attributed to the same programs. For example, Remember The milk has a place reminder. But to use it, you have to connect to the paid version of the product.
As for online maps, they can be used to diagnose road conditions. For many drivers, it has long been no secret that they take risks every minute while driving on Russian roads ruin the suspension of your car. themselves road services notify the driver promptly of emerging different places road obstacles do not have time or are unwilling. But the RosYama service will not give road builders time to relax, because on this portal you can always leave a statement about problems on. It will be enough to upload the dimensions of the pit, coordinates and photos to the site. The only pity is that this service does not have mobile clients.
Almost all services that help find a parking space should be classified as tools based on GPS methods. But in many megacities and large cities of Russia, this problem is transferred to the category of global ones for an improperly parked car and a lack of free places. It was to solve this problem that a program called "Parking in Moscow" was invented.
Video review mobile application"Parking in Moscow":
As for other cities, for them you can use the schemes shown on the maps of OpenStreetMap or other mapping portals. There are also special databases, such as Parkopedia, where there are client applications for almost all mobile platforms.
Traffic fines and reference book in digital version
The program called "2014" deserves special attention. It is specially designed for those drivers who have little knowledge traffic rules. And to be honest, who knows them by heart today? The driving experience of our motorist is not forged on knowledge of the rules traffic, but in practice passing certain situations. In other words, everyone knows that it is impossible to drive through the "red light". But what a fine you will have to pay for this, one or two percent of drivers know.
If earlier drivers purchased new versions periodically on paper and stored all this waste paper in the glove compartment, which is already cramped on some car models, today the program itself will automatically download updates. In addition to the program traffic fines 2014”, similar actions are performed by the program “Reference book of traffic regulations”.
Now about those options that are known. So, it turns out that now it is not necessary to buy it to record the traffic situation. All the functions of the coolest DVR can be performed by a free program installed on a regular smartphone. Yes, don't be surprised! Such applications, for example, include DailyRoads Voyager. Like a standard DVR, this option will allow you to record clips in a cyclic order. And as the memory fills up, previous video files are automatically erased. That's all there is to it.
In case of an accident
A program called "Reminder in case of an accident" will also help non-standard situations that may occur on the road. This program gives useful recommendations on what to do to the driver in a particular case. But unfortunately, apart from advice, although sensible, the utility will not be able to help with anything else. So no one canceled to observe a safe driving style.
An article about what software is modern car. Software features, processes and technologies. At the end of the article - interesting video about 5 necessary life hacks for your car!
Review content:
No modern car is conceivable without electronic stuffing, which involves complex software. When driving a car, we almost never think about what processes are going on inside it - it’s like a computer doesn’t have a monitor, which means that the actions of programs are not visualized, as if they don’t exist. But they are.
Automotive software features
Modern software for your car is very reliable: the hardware failure rate is only one in a million operations during the year, and then as an exception.
Now in every car there are several electronic control units (ECU) - electronic control unit, ECU, which interact with each other through the car's electronic network.
The interaction between these blocks is carried out thanks to bus architectures, which are a combination of controllers - CAN, controller area network, as well as a special network designed to transfer information from special digital equipment - MOST, media-oriented systems trans, FIexRay, as well as the Local interconnect system, (LIN).
If you compare the listed buses with Ethernet, which is designed for PCs, they work at a reduced speed, since the amount of data processed in cars is small. But this minimum amount of information should be processed literally in a matter of milliseconds.
As the number of ECUs grows, designers have to create more complex intra-vehicle network structures that require a more complex design. Consider the main difference between car software and digital technologies for other purposes.
- Reliability - the system programs of the car in a fairly complex network of ECUs must work as reliably as possible throughout the entire period of use;
- Safety of the functions performed - ESC and the braking system must operate without fail, and this already implies quite serious requirements for the software and the very process of their development;
- The speed of interaction - the instantaneous reaction of the electronic components of the car (up to milliseconds) is impossible without a special software architecture and advanced operating systems;
- Robust Architecture - The vehicle's software must implement maximum electromagnetic compatibility, as well as not be influenced by distorted signals;
- Connection of nodes of the electronic-mechanical cycle.
Main components of the ECU
The ECU is a rather complex board, which, in addition to the microcontroller, has hundreds of other elements. Let's look at the main details.
- Analog-to-digital converter (ADC) - this equipment is designed to take indicators from certain automotive sensors, and from the oxygen sensor as well. The fact is that the processor is able to perceive only digital values, and, for example, the oxygen indicator produces only electrical signals with a voltage of 0 to 1.1V. ADC converts this data into a ten-bit binary number, and it becomes understandable to the processor.
- Driver - a program designed to control digital equipment by converting signals.
- Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) - Provides analog signals to start certain components of the car's engine.
- Communication Chip - These chips enable the implementation of a wide variety of communication standards available in the vehicle. There are several such standards in production, but the most common of them is CAN - Controller-Area Networking. It provides a speed of 500 k / bps, which is essential for modules that perform up to hundreds of operations per second.
Processes and technology
A lot has changed since the first automotive software. If initially only one manufacturer could control the software, now it has become almost impossible.
Initially, in the last century, assembler was used as software. The C language began to spread in the 90s. Robert Bosch and many other vendors have started developing software using Mathlab/Simulink and ASCET (Control and Simulation Technology).
Systems CAN bus make the software of the car quite complicated. The reason is that they do not exclude interaction between programs of different ECUs. Modern luxury cars can contain a complex network of 80 ECUs with up to 100 million lines of code in total.
Due to the fact that software is constantly becoming more complex, there is a need to improve engineering technologies. Therefore, parallel technical and organizational processes are constantly emerging in the industry for the consciousness of new software.
Engineering solutions at the level of processes and architecture are also becoming one of the main conditions for outsourcing. In connection with this circumstance, Bosch began to give away some developments to the side since the beginning of the 90s of the last century.
Currently, work on software for cars is carried out by several associations distributed around the world. And this kind of activity has become quite optimal for business.
Engine management
The provisions of international legislation on environmental issues require a reduction in the fuel consumption of vehicles and a corresponding reduction in environmental pollution. This means that there is an incentive to improve the transmission in order to guarantee optimal fuel injection timing and ignition response.
For example, modern diesel engines are capable of injecting fuel at a minimum of seven times per cycle. And this for a four-cylinder engine that develops a speed of rotation up to 1800 rpm, is 420 times per second. All this requires new software features and more thoughtful control algorithms to minimize any deviations.
The need to reduce harmful emissions required updated technologies and methods for providing traffic. Therefore, adding conventional engines internal combustion, in the future, the lion's share of the car market will be owned by electric motors and mixed developments. In addition, the need for alternative fuels will increase, and software will be the main lever to solve these problems.
The engine control module is the vehicle transmission control center. Modern modules have more than 2 megabytes of digital memory and operate at clock rates up to 160 MHz. At the same time, programs up to 300 thousand lines of code are involved.
Standardization
When developing modern digital programs for cars, the specifics of the required ECU are clearly taken into account: the software directly interacts with certain equipment. With the ever-increasing number of automotive ECUs, software recycling is becoming a priority. Therefore, in such a situation, it is appropriate to talk about standardization.
In 2003, Automotive Open System Architecture (Autosar) was formed by suppliers and manufacturers. The purpose of creating an organization is the implementation of a common standard and common technologies. Today, this association includes over 150 organizations that together develop a new ECU structure, basic software and everything necessary to create working software.
This kind of interaction involves the creation of nodes that are independent of the hardware. This enables suppliers and manufacturers to share designs and reuse them on a wide variety of ECUs.
The structure of Autosar consists of several abstract layers in which the software is separated from the hardware. At the very top is the application software that implements all application activities. Below is the basic, nominal software. It guarantees the necessary abstraction from the hardware in the same way as it does, for example, in a personal computer. The Autosar Runtime Environment (real-time execution environment) communicates within the ECU.
Autosar technology contains all the necessary exchange formats and templates that are used both to generate and configure the infrastructure, and to describe it.
Buses (high-speed) Ethernet are the most common in today's automotive industry. They reliably support communications between ECUs, as well as new options, including those regarding safety.
The most diverse information is qualitatively analyzed in order to create an objective model of the environment, which allows the formation of new options that support the driver in extreme cases.
For example, the driver was distracted by a passenger while driving. In this case, the application detects the braking of the vehicle in front, then warns the driver or automatically applies the brakes. By the way, the driver may not even immediately know about the presence of such software until he is in a dangerous position.
Conclusion
In today's automotive industry, the prerequisites for the next scientific and technological revolution in the field of software development are emerging, because digital technologies and the possibilities of consumer electronics are beginning to be used more widely. The time is not far off when cars will begin to connect to the Internet through all stationary and mobile devices. And at the same time, the role of free software for solving practical problems will increase.
5 necessary life hacks for a car - in the video:
In car designs, electronic control systems are increasingly being used. Carrying out diagnostics of a modern car without using tools for analyzing the operation of electronic control systems may not give enough full information about its technical condition.
Diagnostic tools for determining the technical condition of electronic control systems can be divided into three categories:
- stationary (bench) diagnostic systems
- on-board diagnostic software that allows you to indicate faults with the corresponding codes
- on-board diagnostic software that requires a special additional reader to access
Bench diagnostic systems
These systems are not connected to the on-board electronic control units and are therefore independent of the vehicle's on-board diagnostic system. They usually diagnose individual engine mechanisms and ignition systems, which is why they are often called motor testers. The main elements of the motor-tester are sensors, as well as a block for processing and displaying the results of measurements of perceived signals. Sensors and recording devices are connected to cables using plugs and clamps.
Rice. motor tester
Motor-testers are based on computers, have a keyboard, display, disk drives, CD-ROM drive. The kit usually includes a set connecting wires and cables, a stroboscope, and in some cases an exhaust gas analyzer. Information is entered into a computer using an appropriate analyzer, which contains analog-to-digital converters, comparators, amplifiers and other signal pre-processing devices. The analyzer is connected to the necessary elements on the car using a cable set, which is a set of wires connected to the negative, positive terminals of the battery and the ignition coil, wires high voltage to the ignition coil and to the spark plug of the first cylinder, and in addition, a non-contact current sensor on the battery charging bus, an oil temperature sensor in the engine (inserted instead of a probe), a vacuum sensor in intake manifold and so on.
The main part of the motor tester is an oscilloscope, on the screen of which various oscillograms appear, reflecting the operating mode and technical condition tested parts and devices of the ignition system. The evaluation of the signal appearing on the oscilloscope screen is based on the analysis of changes (in the presence of faults) in the nature of electrical processes occurring in low and high voltage circuits. By separate parts of the image, one can also judge the operation of some elements of the power supply and ignition systems, and the nature of the change makes it possible to identify the causes of malfunctions.
The motor tester's computer processes the information received from the engine and presents the results on the display or as a printout on a printer. The motor tester can be supplied with a set of laser CDs with technical information about various car models, as well as with instructions to the operator on how to connect the motor-tester to the car and on the sequence of control operations.
Before diagnosing, the car model, type of engine, transmission, ignition system, fuel injection and other parameters characterizing the object of diagnosis are entered. Motor testers are able to diagnose most automotive systems, including start-up, power supply, ignition systems, evaluate compression in cylinders, measure the parameters of the power system.
Modern motor testers can provide information about the state of the ignition system in the form of numbers or an oscillogram of the process. An example is the motor-tester M3-2 (Belarus), with which you can determine the condition of the engine (by developed power, power balance by cylinders, relative compression), starter, generator, relay-regulator, battery, breaker-distributor, electrical wires, candles ignition, lambda sensor, injection nozzles gasoline engines, diesel fuel equipment, measure with a stroboscope the ignition timing for gasoline engines and injection for diesel engines.
As automotive electronics become more complex, the functionality of stationary systems expands, since it is necessary to diagnose not only engine control, but also brake systems, active suspension etc.
The versatility of computer motor testers is determined by their software. Many of them work in the usual way for most users. operating system Windows.
The disadvantages of motor testers include the fact that they are difficult to detect non-permanent faults in complex electronic systems, when a fault in one system manifests itself in the form of symptoms in other systems that are functionally related to the first.
Onboard diagnostic software that allows fault codes to be indicated
Automotive software systems in most of the leading countries of the world since the 80s of the XX century. are provided with the function of reading fault codes using a warning lamp, for example check engine- check the engine. This is the simplest type of on-board diagnostics, which consists in the conditional assignment of a number of faults electronic system control of digital codes. These codes, when their corresponding faults appear, are stored in the memory of the electronic control unit of the system. After certain manipulations, these codes can be displayed control light in the form of a series of long and short pulses. After visual reading of the pulses, their meaning can be deciphered using special tables.
Rice. Example of placement of the Check engine indicator (position 1)
On-board diagnostic software that requires a special optional reader to access
Reading information from such software is carried out using special devices - scanners. Controlled parameters and fault codes are read directly from the electronic control unit and interpreted by service specialists.
A scanner, or a scanning device, is a portable computer tester used to diagnose various electronic control systems by reading digital information from the vehicle's diagnostic connector.
The scanner, as a rule, has a small LCD display, so viewing data on it, even using frame scrolling, is not always convenient. It is usually possible to connect the scanner to a computer via a serial port for data transfer. Special software allows you to view data from the scanner in tabular and graphical form on a computer monitor, save them, and create databases for serviced vehicles.
Rice. Programmable scanner DST-2M (Russia) without a personal computer
Scanners differ in their functionality and range of tested vehicles.
Specialized scanners used to diagnose cars of only one brand have the widest capabilities. The use of such scanners due to their narrow specialization is limited to individual car service enterprises, service cars specific models. Scanners designed for diagnosing injection systems and other mechanisms, assemblies and systems of cars of various models have become more widespread.
There are programs that allow you to enter information directly into the computer through the serial port from the car diagnostic socket using the appropriate connecting cable. In this case, a personal computer performs the functions of a scanner, it is sometimes called a computer scanner. When using a personal computer, there is no need to have a set of software cartridges for various systems and models, since the capacity of the computer's hard disk allows you to store all the necessary data and programs on it.
The self-diagnosis system of the vehicle during its operation continuously compares the current values of the signals with the reference values in the memory of the electronic control unit. In addition, it monitors the reaction of the actuators. Any inconsistencies between the parameters to each other or to the reference values are regarded as a malfunction, each of which has its own code. Previously, control systems could determine and remember 10-15 codes, modern systems store up to several hundred codes related not only to the engine, but also to the automatic transmission, anti-lock braking system (ABS), airbags, climate control, etc.
In some control units, self-diagnosis allows you to adjust the ignition timing, and on vehicles without a converter, to adjust the carbon monoxide content in the exhaust gases. In addition, on modern models of scanners, the so-called test diagnostics is implemented: input signals are given at a certain moment, followed by checking the sensors and the response of the actuators.
The scanner checks the input and output parameters of electrical circuits and informs the operator about their value. Thus, it only fixes the presence or absence of faults in any node, but does not allow determining their causes, which can be many for the same values of controlled parameters.
According to the method of storing information, hardware scanners are divided into cartridge and programmable. To bring the cartridge scanner into working condition, you need a cartridge with diagnostic cable corresponding to the tested vehicle model. The set of such a scanner consists of three main parts: the scanner itself, replaceable cartridges and connection cables designed to be connected to the diagnostic socket of the vehicle being checked. Each cartridge is designed to work with its own type of control unit.
Rice. Cartridge scanner for diagnosing cars of one or certain brands
Programmable scanners do not have this disadvantage. Their built-in memory (Flash-memory) can be repeatedly reprogrammed using a personal computer. Older versions of the software can be updated online or via a CD supplied by the vehicle or scanner manufacturer. Such scanners are well adapted for operation in a car service. Moreover, they allow you to diagnose the systems of a moving vehicle.
More informative are scanners connected to a personal computer. An adapter is used to coordinate the data received by the computer from the control unit.
Rice. Programmable scanner with personal computer
Currently most widespread received Bosch KST-500 and KST-520 scanners used with a personal computer, as well as DST-2, DST-10-Kf scanners (Russia), etc.
Scanners have several modes of operation. In the "Errors" mode, the digital codes of a particular malfunction stored in the memory of the control unit on the car are displayed on the screen. The "Parameters" mode allows you to evaluate the operation of the engine when the car is moving: the voltage in onboard network, detonation, rotational speed crankshaft, composition of the mixture, speed of movement, etc. To view changes in engine operation parameters in dynamics, the "Data acquisition" mode is provided. Some scanners, such as KST-520, for monitoring the operation of the injection system and other vehicle systems in dynamics, can display a graphical representation of the signals on the screen, i.e. allow them to be observed visually. The possibilities of scanners when checking the injection system specific vehicle determined by the diagnostic functions of the control unit this vehicle, however, as a rule, all scanners read and erase fault codes, display digital parameters in real time, may actuate some executive mechanisms(nozzles, relays, solenoids).
The scanner is connected through a special connector on the car to a specific control unit or the electronic system as a whole.
Until 2000, most cars were equipped with diagnostic connectors that had a different number and arrangement of pins, which did not allow the use of universal scanners for retrieving information. Therefore, in 2000, most manufacturers Vehicle The OBD-II standard for electronic control systems equipment was adopted. The requirements of this standard include:
- standard diagnostic connector
- standard location of the diagnostic connector
- standard communication protocol between the scanner and the automotive onboard system diagnostics
- standard list of fault codes
- saving the parameter values in the memory of the electronic control unit of the frame when an error code appears (“frozen” frame)
- monitoring by on-board diagnostic tools of elements, the failure of which can lead to an increase in toxic emissions into the environment
- access to both specialized and universal scanners to error codes, parameters, "frozen" frames, testing procedures, etc.
- a single list of terms, abbreviations, definitions used for elements of electronic systems of a car and error codes
The illustration shows the 16-pin diagnostic connector, which is standard on OBD-II compliant vehicles.
Rice. Standard diagnostic socket
The diagnostic connector is located in the passenger compartment (usually under the dashboard) and provides access to system data. Any scanner can be connected to this connector.
Reading diagnostic codes
Fault codes can be read in two ways. The first (for self-diagnostic systems that are already becoming a thing of the past) - with an LED probe connected to the diagnostic connector, or using a diagnostic control lamp. The codes are deciphered using the already mentioned tables that are part of the operational documents for the car. The second, modern, way is to receive codes with a scanner. As a rule, these devices not only extract error codes, but also decrypt them.
To warn the driver about a malfunction of the electronic control system, the instrument panel has control lamp. After turning on the ignition on a serviceable car, the lamp burns for 3 ... 10 s, and then should go out. If the lamp does not go out, this indicates a malfunction of the control system, and this system should be checked for certain codes. According to the requirements of regulatory documents on traffic safety in some countries, a car with active fault codes of certain electronic control systems is not allowed to operate.
Fault codes are sometimes conventionally divided into "slow" and "fast".
Consider "slow" codes. If a malfunction is detected, its code is stored in memory and the corresponding control lamp turns on on the instrument panel. You can find out which code this is in one of the following ways (depending on the specific version of the control unit):
- read information from the LED on the control unit case, which periodically flashes and goes out
- connect certain terminals of the diagnostic connector with a conductor or short a certain terminal of the connector to ground and turn on the ignition, after which the control lamp will flash periodically, transmitting information about the fault code
- connect an LED or an analog voltmeter to certain contacts of the diagnostic connector and, by flashing the LED (or fluctuations of the voltmeter needle), get information about the fault code
Since "slow" codes are intended for visual reading, their transmission frequency is very low (about 1 Hz), the amount of information transmitted is small.
Codes are usually issued in the form of repeated sequences of flashes. The code contains several digits, the semantic meaning of which is then deciphered according to the fault table, which is part of the operational documents for the car. Long flashes (1.5-2.5 s) transmit the senior (first) digit of the code, short (0.5-0.6 s) - the junior (second) digit.
An example of displaying code 1-3-1-2 corresponding to a malfunction electronic injector first cylinder injection Hyundai engine, shown in the figure:
Rice. Example of displaying a fault code
After a malfunction is detected, it is localized by sequentially checking those elements of the electronic control system that are in electrical circuit, responsible for generating the read code (sensors, connectors, wiring, etc.).
"Slow" codes are simple, reliable, do not require expensive diagnostic equipment, but are not very informative.
"Quick codes" provide a selection of a large amount of information from the memory of the electronic control unit via a serial interface. This interface and the diagnostic connector are used both for testing and tuning the vehicle at the factory, and for diagnosing.
One of the functions implemented by scanners is to check the sensor signal for rationality, i.e. for compliance with the required (standard) signals. The sensor may be faulty and send incorrect information to the control unit. If the control unit program does not provide for checking the sensor signal for rationality, then control algorithms are implemented in them using incorrect sensor information. This will incorrectly calculate important output parameters, such as the ignition timing and the duration of the injector release pulse, which will lead to a deterioration in the vehicle's driving characteristics, the engine may stall after starting, etc. However, as long as the incorrect signal from the sensor is within the normal range in quantitative terms, no error codes will be recorded in the memory of the electronic unit and the malfunction will not be indicated in any way.
To detect a malfunction, the function of disabling the "suspicious" sensor is implemented. Then the electronic unit will write the error code into memory and change the signal from the sensor to the calculated (backup) value. For example, when the sensor is turned off mass flow air, its signal is replaced by a backup signal calculated from the throttle position and engine speed. If, after disconnecting the “suspicious” sensor, engine performance improves, this means that the sensor is faulty.
IN modern blocks management as the software improves, it becomes possible to detect such malfunctions. This is the so-called test for rationality and correct functioning, which is implemented in onboard diagnostic systems second generation (OBD-II). It lies in the fact that the current values of the signals from all sensors are constantly checked for one-to-one compliance with the standard signals for a given engine operation mode. The nominal values of the signals are stored in the permanent memory of the microprocessor of the electronic unit.
For the convenience of measuring the input and output signals of the electronic control unit, a signal splitter is used. It is a set of cables and connectors connected between the electronic control unit and the wiring harness for access to input and output signals. The splitter includes a patch panel for connecting instrumentation to any harness circuit.
Rice. Signal splitter RS-2 (Russia)
The operation of individual sensors can be simulated by a special sensor simulator, for example, ID-4 type. It is designed to simulate the output voltage of potentiometric and resistive sensors of an electronic control system. injection engines. This simulator allows you to simulate the signal of the throttle position sensor, carbon monoxide adjustment potentiometer, intake manifold pressure sensors, atmospheric pressure, mass air flow and other sensors. The cables included in the simulator allow you to connect to various types of connectors.
Rice. Sensor simulator ID-4 (Russia)
Deleting trouble codes
After repair, all codes should be deleted from the memory of the control unit, otherwise the unit will erroneously take them into account when subsequently controlling the vehicle's systems.
There are three methods for deleting (erasing) fault codes:
- Erasing codes on command from a scanner connected to the diagnostic socket. On some vehicles early models this procedure is not possible because it is not supported by the control unit. This method is the most preferred and recommended by manufacturers.
- If there is no scanner or the electronic unit does not support erasing codes with a scanner, turn off the power to the unit by removing the appropriate fuse. Together with the error codes, information for adaptive control will also be erased from the unit's memory.
- Disconnection from the "mass" of the bus battery. It should be borne in mind that in this case, along with the codes, other information is also erased (setting the time on the electronic clock, radio codes, etc.).
