Ok, but how does it actually WORK?!?

[stugray]

Originally Posted by u/Josh

I am shocked to hear that the ecu is running essentially matlab code. Do you have a link for more information on this?

Matlab can be converted directly into C code, so why the surprise?
We use that exact method to develop attitude control software for missions like Deep Impact (to hit the comet)

Now if we said it was running a Labview executable under windows, then I would be scared!

[u/Josh]

Originally Posted by stugray

Matlab can be converted directly into C code, so why the surprise?
We use that exact method to develop attitude control software for missions like Deep Impact (to hit the comet)

Now if we said it was running a Labview executable under windows, then I would be scared!

I didn't know that, thanks for the info. Why not just program directly in C? Development time I would assume, but are you sacrificing runtime performance?

[stugray]

Originally Posted by u/Josh

I didn't know that, thanks for the info. Why not just program directly in C? Development time I would assume, but are you sacrificing runtime performance?

I our case, we can have attitude control engineers develop & test the algorithms in Matlab , then port the C-code to the software engineers that embed the coded algorithms into the flight software.

[arghx7]

http://www.etas.com/en/products/inca_mip.php

So ETAS INCA is one of the leading software and hardware combinations. Competitors include ATI Vision, dSpace Control Desk and Vector CANape. They integrate directly with Matlab. Depending on the system, It's basically a prototype ECU that literally has real time access to every tuning parameter and can datalog at 1000 samples per second. Compare that to a Subaru Cobb Accessport which has maybe 10 real time maps and logs at like 10-15 samples per second. All the hardware ends up costing as much as a BRZ.

When the code is model-based in Matlab, it can be used easily in simulation packages to test if it works before it's used in an engine.

[DriftEightSix]

Originally Posted by xjohnx

Interesting find. It looks like Joe Schmoe can buy a 2 day subscription for $55 and get access to TechStream w/ ECU flashing functionality and the latest ECU rom's from toyota. Might be a good alternative for those of you that want the updated maps but don't want an aftermarket reflash.

Only if you have this "NASTF Vehicle Security Professional Registry".

[ft_sjo]

Matlab is used an awful lot in automotive product development, not just calibration work.

[xjohnx]

Originally Posted by DriftEightSix

Only if you have this "NASTF Vehicle Security Professional Registry".

isn't that only for the security professional level (which basically enables vehicle key/transponder programming in the techstream software)? the professional diagnostic level seems to be available to anyone.

[DriftEightSix]

Originally Posted by xjohnx

isn't that only for the security professional level (which basically enables vehicle key/transponder programming in the techstream software)? the professional diagnostic level seems to be available to anyone.

so it is, i should learn to real the whole page and not skim the shit out of it looking for requirements.

[King Tut]

First discussion of Matlab I have ever seen on an automotive message forum. Matlab is good for coding things up quickly as a proof of concept. It allows you to define whatever you want whenever you want and generally write really crappy code that works in Matlab. The algorithms should then always be ported to a proper coding language for a final software product.

[robot]

Originally Posted by King Tut

First discussion of Matlab I have ever seen on an automotive message forum. Matlab is good for coding things up quickly as a proof of concept. It allows you to define whatever you want whenever you want and generally write really crappy code that works in Matlab. The algorithms should then always be ported to a proper coding language for a final software product.

I agree with this...a lot.

I don't like how matlab manages memory of large datasets (I haven't used it in a few years). In production code you'd want to know and control how this is done.

[arghx7]

Every auto company manages the software release process differently. There's typically an in-house software tool to track different levels of software releases and the associated calibration values. It might go something like Matlab/Simulink --> hardware and/or software in the loop simulation --> in house tool/software database --> prototype ROM files and map definition file. That will go into a prototype ECU for realtime tuning or a production one (flashing the ECU for changes) if the vehicle is almost ready for launch and the software tweaks are small.

[muffinz]

I love matlab not only because it is incredibly powerful with elegant syntax, but also bc it has my name in

[arghx7]

Originally Posted by muffinz

I love matlab not only because it is incredibly powerful with elegant syntax, but also bc it has my name in

Your mom named you Atla?

[OrbitalEllipses]

Originally Posted by arghx7

Your mom named you Atla?

I chortled.