Registration:  All attendees must register. 

● Visitors and Non Department of Defense Employees please see Directions for Email registration 

● Department of Defense employees simply send an email to "richardp@tacom.army.mil" indicating the session numbers from the agenda below.

● Non-U.S. citizens will be required to email scanned copies of their visa/passport or permanent residency (green) card as appropriate.

 

Arriving at U.S. Army TACOM:  All attendees will be required to provide government issued identification.   Non-U.S. citizens will have to enter through the main gate (11 mile Rd Gate).  Escorts will be on hand to escort you to the workshop area.  U.S. citizens will enter through the Mound Rd gate.  You will be allowed to park in visitor parking and proceed to the workshop area.  See map and directions for specific locations of gates.  Strip maps of the workshop area will be provided on entry.

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Abstract: The task facing vetronics engineers engaged in producing the next generation of AFVs is complex. The design must be technically proficient enough to meet the procurement specifications set by the customer. The design will have to be reliable and supportable when deployed worldwide with limited logistical support. The history of AFVs is such that they are kept in service for 25 or more years and subject to continuous upgrades to meet new threats and mission requirements. The customer is answerable to the government and hence the taxpayer in terms of getting value for money, this is usually allied to a whole lifetime support policy.
Set against this is a real world of parts suppliers who at best support products for ten years (automotive parts) and at worst support parts for nine months (integrated circuits). To compound the problem of producing a supportable vehicle is the new problem of software and middleware encroaching on almost every function of the vehicle. Software is a very expensive element of most systems and is subject to rapid changes in operating systems and programming languages supported by suppliers. The days of military specials in both hardware and software are long past. The designer of today’s (and tomorrow’s) AFV must use off the shelf parts and software. This reliance on COTS will put the AFV encompassing them at odds with the world for which they were produced, modern consumer products are very reliable and cost effective but rarely designed for or supported over periods of more than a few years.
So what is the solution ? We have to embrace the concept of top down design, the increasing degree of abstraction that is used to describe a design requirement is not an escape from sound ‘feet on the ground’ engineering but an attempt to avoid painting the designer into a corner or solutioneering him into a blind canyon. The concepts of open systems architecture and design for upgrade-ability are the tools we can use but there is a more holistic approach that gets us back to engineering systems which may well be the way forward. The architecture of an AFV’s vetronics is the key to following concepts such as open systems and software re-use, but first we have to decide how to assess and describe the architecture. The lecture will describe how architecture is a set of architectures and how they relate to good old AFV concepts of lethality, survivability and mobility. The relationship to supportable solutions, COTS and systems engineering is highlighted at each stage.
 

Plan.
• Introduction – where are we now and what is the problem
• Relationship of vetronics to vehicle function
• Review of US and UK vetronics reference architectures and guidelines
• Modelling Architectures – a review of the possible approaches, the French AILS programme.
• Architecture and Vetronics – using US and UK references
• Splitting up the problem, data transfer, power and physical, software and human factors and crew interfaces
• Sticking the result together
• Value trees and vetronics architectures
• Some thoughts about relating architecture to vehicle design parameters.
• Summary

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ABSTRACT: IGV engineering is an ambitious technical task. Because developing a prototype vehicle is prohibitively expensive, the Army has relied increasingly on simulation to verify designs before committing them to a physical prototype. The current lack of a standard set of simulation tools has led to the proliferation of vehicle component simulations that are not interoperable and under-developed. Additionally, component model development and testing remains isolated from the context of full vehicle-level deployments.

In recent years, the Army has commissioned the development of the Virtual System Integration Laboratory (VSIL), which is to provide a set of standards for TACOM’s simulation capabilities. These standards consist of an encoding standard for simulation components, interface specifications for controlling and receiving data from a simulation, and interface specifications for how models are configuration controlled and deployed.

While TARDEC and its prime contractors defined overall standards and guidelines for Vetronics architecture, the task of unifying standards into a library of standard vehicle components remains incomplete. To address this problem, TARDEC and Cybernet created the Virtual System Editor, built on top of the VSIL. At the heart of the VSIL system is a library of standard vehicle components called the Reference Architecture. The Reference Architecture will allow systems engineers in different program offices to design vehicles using known, well-tested components that are all interoperable. This will lead to a savings of effort, cost, and development time. This system fulfills TARDEC's VSIL requirement for all contractors. Additionally, this system will help TARDEC and industry meet its goals for faster deployment of IGV's.

This workshop discusses some of the key challenges faced by the team that is developing the Reference Architecture and VSIL implementation for TACOM.

This workshop will provide demonstrations and first-hand exercises on how using a model-based design approach with tools like Simulink and ViSE, and accelerate the design, control and study of subsystem configurations. This includes a hands-on demonstration of real-time simulation of M2A3 soft component models.

This workshop covers the topic of Modeling and Simulation in the IGV domain. Emphasis will be on component Vetronics and VSIL Simulation Standards. The workshop will introduce the topics, giving motivation and highlighting the major research efforts in each. In addition, the presenter’s work in the field is detailed. Subsystems discussed relating to Component Vetronics are: Power Generation and Management, Computer Resources, and Data Control and Distribution subsystems. Issues to be covered relating to VSIL Simulation are: Reference Architecture attribute definitions, hierarchical “is-a” component relationships, and functional interfaces vs. implementations. Additional subtopics to be discussed are: Automated subsystem testing, Performance Analysis and Measurements, component model Repository design, and applied intelligent agents for scenario execution.

The aim of the workshop is five-fold:
1. Performing IGV deployment testing using modeling and simulation will give attendees a new perspective on the nature of integration required in Vetronics, and help them identify key interoperability issues.
2. Give attendees an overview of the requirements of virtual prototyping in the IGV domain.
3. Provide attendees with a working knowledge of Virtual Prototyping tools.
4. Provide attendees with the knowledge required to design and implement Vetronics systems using these tools.
5. Acquaint attendees with the state of industry developments in the Modeling & Simulation field.

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Abstract: A major goal of the TARDEC is research toward combat readiness and future war fighting superiority of army forces. The proposed tutorial covers various energy storage systems mainly flywheels for land/sea/space applications. The flywheel is the system component responsible for storing energy in kinetic form when spinning at high speed. When selecting the appropriate design configuration for the flywheel, hub performance metrics such as stored energy vs. flywheel weight, stored energy vs. volume, or weight vs. cost can influence the overall performance of the system. For each application a different set of performance criteria are critical. For example, for space applications energy-vs.-weight ratio often has the highest importance, while for the Earth-based applications energy-vs.-volume and energy-vs.-cost ratios tend to be more significant. Flywheel performance metrics in a large degree depend on the materials used for the flywheel manufacturing. Presently, the most promising flywheel materials in terms of energy density are conventional high-strength steels, such as 4340, and more modern composite materials. One of the advantages of the conventional high-strength steels is that they are mechanically well-known and predictable, as are their methods of manufacturing. The high-strength steels offer relatively high tensile strength up to 330ksi, but also high density (0.283lb/in3). Modern composite materials feature much higher tensile strength up to 920ksi combined with much lower density (typically 0.065 lb/in3). The use of composite materials may increase both ratios of the energy vs. rotor weight and volume, however, practical data so far has only demonstrated an increase of the energy vs. weight ratio.

The three phase back-to-back converter is the standard two-stage configuration with a dc link capacitor between a line-side converter and a machine-side converter. Due to the sinusoidal nature of the PMSM, control algorithms such as vector control, developed for other ac motors, can be directly applied to the PMSM control system.

This seminar is prepared such that practicing engineers and graduate students can absorb it entirely. It is designed for engineers who are interested in various energy storage systems specially flywheels. Following is a summary of this one-day tutorial and the timing and detailed list of topics.

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Abstract: This presentation will cover the basics of RFID sensor, RFID sensors available in the market. Selection criteria of the sensors, Applications for RFID technology, and a simple RFID sensor kit will be covered. Radio frequency identification (RFID) first appeared in tracking and access applications during the 1980s. These wireless AIDC systems allow for non-contact reading and are effective in manufacturing and other hostile environments where bar code labels could not survive. RFID has established itself in a wide range of markets including livestock identification and automated vehicle identification (AVI) systems because of its ability to track moving objects.

Topics Covered include
• Introduction to RFID technology
• Tags: Active and Passive
• Readers/Writers/Antennas
• RFID Key Attributes and Limitations
• Growth area of automatic identification and data capture
• New generation, lower cost transponders offering multi-read capabilities
• RFID and GPS (Global position Sensors) for novel applications
• Applications and research directions of RFID in Military, Supply Chain, asset tracking, medical and commercial will also be covered.

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Abstract: The More Electric Vehicle (MEV) concept emphasizes the utilization of electrical systems instead of mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems to optimize vehicle fuel economy, maneuverability, mission ability, survivability, and reliability. In addition, the need for improvement in safety, security, performance, and communications necessitates more electric vehicular systems. Advancements in the areas of power electronics and motor drives along with fault tolerant electrical distribution systems and control electronics enable the transforming of present systems into the MEV systems.

In this short course, we address fundamental issues in land, air, sea, undersea, and space vehicular power systems. In order to meet the needs of TACOM, specific emphasis will be placed on land vehicles, including combat vehicles. Furthermore, a brief description of the conventional electrical systems and the role of power electronics will be presented. Different applications of power electronic converters and motor drives will be explained. Moreover, present and future electrical loads will be described in detail.

Outline

1. Introduction to Power Electronics and Motor Drives
2. Introduction to Vehicular Power Electronics
3. Power Electronics Based Power Transfer Systems
4. Electrical Power Systems for Land Vehicles
5. Advanced Electrical Loads in Combat Land Vehicles
6. Aerospace Power Systems
7. Applications of Power Electronics in Aircraft Power Systems
8. Dynamics and Stability of Combat Land Systems
9. Effects of Electrical, Electronic, and Thermal Signatures
10. Summary, conclusions, and discussion

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Abstract: Hybrid-electric vehicles are one of the fastest growing automotive segments and present both opportunities and challenges. Hybrid vehicles are more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly than conventional vehicles, By optimizing the power intake, the engine operation can be kept within the range designed for best fuel economy and lowest emissions, while the motor/generator system will either provide additional power or generate electricity. Because of these advantages, hybrid vehicles have attracted worldwide interest in the automotive industry. The most popular hybrid, Toyota Prius has sold over 100,000 units so far. Some experts predict that hybrid vehicles will take at least 10 percent of the total vehicle market share in the next 5 years and could affect 200,000 jobs in automotive-related industries. This workshop will be very timely discussion on both the auto companies' vision, as well as customers' perceptions.

The US military, especially the US Army, is interested in HEVs as a solution in reducing its fuel costs. Currently, the US Army has approximately 250,000 vehicles that consume about 200 million gallons of fuel per year for an estimated cost of $3.5B annually. Initiatives to achieve 30% reduction in yearly fuel consumption will lead to a vast amount of savings for the Army.

One unique feature of HEVs is their capability to run in silent mode. The conventional heavy-duty trucks, such as the HMMWV, use diesel engines that are very noisy. By using the battery in the hybrid system, the vehicle can run silently for an estimated range of about 24 miles. Another reason for the Army’s interests in HEVs is the capability to supply auxiliary power. The HEV may be used to supply power to command centers and missile-defense shelters and to run weapon systems therefore eliminates the need for and cost of portable generators that need to be transported into the battlefield.

Targeted Audience: This workshop is intended for engineers in electrical, mechanical, automotive systems and other related field who would like to extend their knowledge in hybrid vehicle system design, control and modeling.

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Abstract: The proposed workshop covers the topic of sensor networks, discusses the key issuesrelated to their use, and presents solutions based on distributed learning and distributed decision making. Sensor networks are distributed sensors deployed in remote environments to provide access to information otherwise not accessible in a safe and cost
efficient way. The technology enabled by this research is of great value to military and law enforcement agencies. A major objective of Future Combat Systems (FCS) is to remove personnel from harm’s way. Meeting this objective would be closer to reality when remote sensing is possible. The application of this research in military is unlimited and includes; battlefield surveillance and monitoring where large numbers of sensors can be quickly deployed to monitor rugged terrains for enemy movement and activities, sensor networks deployed in places of interest such as airports and government buildings can remotely and rapidly report to a central monitoring entity any nuclear, biological or chemical attacks giving authorities valuable reaction time. Sensor networks deployed ahead of time in across a battlefield can provide critical early warnings regarding any chemical agents and can assist in the safe navigation through this area.

The workshop will introduce the topics giving the motivation and highlighting the major research efforts in each. In addition, the presenters’ research in the field is detailed. Issues
to be discussed relating to sensor networks are: Data collections, data fusion, scalability, robustness, hardware constraints, topology, and communication. In addition, we will discuss our work on interfacing sensor networks to vehicles and human operators and on
managing sensor networks’ resources using distributed learning and distributed decision making approaches. The aim of the workshop is three-fold: 1. Give the attendees an overview of the requirements of remote sensing systems 2. Provide attendees with the knowledge required to design and implement such systems 3. Acquaint attendees with the state of knowledge in the field.

Content
1. Background
2. Proposed Approach to the interface between sensor networks and Vehicle and
human operators
3.Discussion and Demonstration
4.Proposed Approach to the efficient management of sensor networks resources

Workshop Objectives
• To introduce the area of sensor networks and highlight its wide range of applications.
• To introduce the area of remote sensing.
• To familiarize the participants with the research issues related to the topic.
• To give the participants the opportunity to identify techniques and systems potentially
beneficial in their applications.

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Abstract: Rapid advances in wireless technologies provide opportunities to utilize these technologies in support of advanced vehicle safety applications. In particular, the new Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) at 5.9 GHz offers the potential to effectively support vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-roadside safety communications. DSRC has several key benefits: It complements cellular communications, where time-critical responses (less than 50 ms) or very high data transfer rates (6-54 Mbps) are required in small zones. By offering real-time information about current traffic conditions, collision-avoidance assistance, automatic emergency incident notification, or vision enhancement systems, the communication-based vehicle safety technologies will help drivers to make better informed, more coordinated, and more intelligent decisions, increasing the overall safety and efficiency of the national highway system.

Considering the tremendous benefits expected from vehicular communications and the huge number of vehicles, it is clear that Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks (VANET) are likely to become the most relevant realization of mobile ad hoc networks. The appropriate integrations of on-board computers and GPS positioning devices along with communication capabilities, open tremendous opportunities, but also raise formidable research challenges.
In this workshop, we will first present the unique characteristics of DSRC and intelligent vehicle applications enabled by DSRC. Then, we will discuss the challenges and opportunities in future vehicular networks. We will explore research issues with media access control, quality of service, security and privacy, and deployment of communication-based safety applications.

Outline
• Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)
• Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC)
• Intelligent Vehicle Applications Enabled by DSRC
• Media Access Control (MAC) Protocols
• Quality of Services
• Security and Privacy

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Abstract: In embedded system design there is a constant dichotomy between having a simple programmable solution that can vary with applications, and delivering the cost/performance results required to meet the product demand. General-purpose processors and DSPs offer flexibility, but often fall short on performance in many compute-intensive applications. One could consider using an FPGA to do the compute-intensive stuff, but that increases the design complexity and adds cost.

A recent trend is to combine general purpose processors and reconfigurable fabric inside the processor itself and provide the flexibility of general purpose processors and the performance of FPGAs. In this workshop, I will give an overview of the architecture of such processors (some are available in market already). Then, I will focus on one processor that is currently available from Stretch Inc. Stretch has created a software-configurable off-the-shelf processor that provides designers with a significant performance boost, helping bridge the technology gap between DSPs and FPGAs, while retaining important benefits of both. The Stretch processor has the ease of development and the flexibility of DSPs, but by embedding programmable logic entirely inside the processor architecture, it offers the performance of an FPGA. Essentially, it gives software designers the ability to accelerate their software algorithm at the C level, rather than having to offload this piece to the hardware designer. Stretch designed their processor with a RISC architecture in order to leverage existing optimization technology and to keep the programming environment familiar to designers. By allowing software designers to program, debug, and optimize performance in a software development environment, Stretch is able to provide the power of programmable logic acceleration to the much larger embedded developer market in a familiar, trusted format.

Outline of Workshop
1. Trends in embedded systems
2. Overview of processors combining general purpose and FPGA-like fabric
3. Introduction to Stretch Inc.’s software configurable processor
4. Stretch Processor architecture details
5. Stretch processor software tool-chain details
6. Programming the Stretch processor (includes interactive hands-on exercises)
7. Demonstrating the power of Stretch processor (includes interactive hands-on exercises)

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Microscopic Electromechanical Energy Conversion: Reinventing the Art of Design in Adjustable Speed Drives
Dr. Babak Fahimi
University of Texas at Arlington

Abstract: Adjustable speed motor/generator drives play a crucial role in technology advancement for a variety of industries. This has motivated researchers around the world to pay special attention to engineer a quieter, more efficient, and more survivable adjustable speed drive. Although significant advances have been made towards this goal, lack of an in-depth understanding of the electromechanical energy conversion at a microscopic level has impeded the quest for a quantum leap in enhancement of the performance. The proposed seminar offers a new perspective to the above problem by offering a microscopic point of view under which new magnetic design and power electronics based excitation schemes for adjustable speed drives are extracted. The topics include control solutions for elimination of torque pulsation, mitigation of radial forces/pulsation of the radial forces, enhancement of fault tolerance, and optimization of torque density. Experimental results from a low cost torque ripple minimization for PMSM drives will be demonstrated. Furthermore, special attention has been given to magnetic interpretation of field orientation in adjustable speed ac drives from a microscopic point of view. The proposed seminar provides an insightful and in-depth understanding of advanced energy conversion for practicing engineers in industry and graduate students who conduct research in the area of adjustable speed motor drives.

Outline by Topic
• Fundamentals of microscopic electromechanical energy conversion.
• Decoupling of power electronics excitation and magnetic design in adjustable speed motor drives via microscopic energy conversion.
• Field orientation from a microscopic energy conversion point of view.
• Optimal control of induction motor/generators.
• Optimal control of PMSM drives.
• Optimal control of SRM drives.
• Enhancement of survivability in Induction and PMSM drives.
• Enhancement of quietness in Induction and PMSM drives.
• Future trends in development of novel electric machinery using microscopic electromechanical energy conversion method.

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Abstract: An effective and efficient Defense supply chain is vital in supporting the core mission of battle readiness of the United States Joint Services command. As an important member of this extended enterprise, TACOM has a special role to play for its continued success. This task requires a well-coordinated logistics interface between TACOM and other entities of the Defense enterprise. The emphasis of this special workshop is on identifying potential applications for defense logistics with focus on the role of TACOM in the Defense supply chain and its extended enterprise.

A supply chain is an alignment of business entities that bring products or services to the market. This alignment is in the form of an extended enterprise, where firms collectively organize the supply, production, and distribution of products and services. Information sharing is a well-accepted technique for this purpose.
A fundamental requirement of this arrangement is synchronization across multiple extended enterprise entities represented in the supply chain. The objective of this workshop is to describe models and their applications that, a) create the appropriate structure and install proper controls in the extended enterprise, and b) implement optimization principles utilizing value engineering, methods engineering, and behavior prediction techniques; to synchronize the supply chain. By applying principles of supply chain management, one can examine potential improvements and linkages between autonomous members of a supply chain. One can also analyze a productive system for a process, product or product lines, a facility, and an enterprise. It offers a step-by-step methodology that enables identifying areas of improved coordination within and between various supply chain members which can lead to reduction in lead times and costs, alignment of interdependent decision-making processes, and improvement in the overall performance of each member as well as the supply chain. Examples of supply chain of prominent industries are described to enhance understanding of this emerging, yet highly relevant concept of the interdependent global economy.

This workshop offers a balanced perspective on theory and practice as applied to supply chain management. The format will be lecture, case studies, discussions, and brief class exercises emphasizing concepts of coordination and information sharing among supply chain members in planning their activities. At the end of this workshop, one will be able to grasp principles, tools and techniques learned from various disciplines for designing a supply chain for its particular industry needs.

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Abstract: Hybrid powertrain is becoming an increasingly important option for a great variety of vehicles to achieve increased fuel efficiency and reduced missions. Hybrid powertrains are complex electromechanical systems consisting of different propulsion devices and energy sources. The dynamic interactions among various components and the multidisciplinary nature make it impossible for analytical design. Modeling and simulation are indispensable for concept evaluation, prototyping, and design of hybrid powertrains. In this workshop, the fundamentals of small-scale power system modeling and simulation will be discussed. Specifically, a physics-based modeling and simulation tool, Virtual Test Bed (VTB), will be introduced and used for vehicle power system modeling and analysis.

Outline

- Introduction to vehicle power systems
- Time-domain numerical techniques
- Physics-based natural models in the VTB
- Resistive Companion Modeling methods for linear devices
- Resistive Companion Modeling methods for non-linear devices
- Modeling of power electronic converters
- Solution of linear DC Circuit analysis
- Simulation of nonlinear circuits
- VTB architecture
- VTB simulation

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ABSTRACT: Drive-by-Wire (DBW) systems are poised to be the next generation of automotive systems yielding highly feature-enhanced, tunable, and modular automotive vehicles of the future. DBW systems are able to incorporate multi- functionality in a single system thereby making today’s advanced features (e.g. stability control systems) more cost effective in these automobiles. These additional features can be incorporated without additional cost via software changes/additions to the DBW systems. DBW systems can not only provide these additional features, but also can free up premium packaging space. For example, in the case of Steering-by-Wire system, it can save significant amount of packaging space by eliminating the steering column, thereby enabling easy assembly of the instrument panel. The complexity of the DBW systems arises from the fact that these systems must incorporate multiply redundant sensors, actuators, controllers, and communications networks to achieve fault tolerance. The fault tolerant control of these systems is accomplished via appropriate fault detection, isolation, and accommodation (FDIA) algorithms. However, the total number of redundant components makes the DBW systems prohibitively expensive. Also, in order to accurately detect and isolate a component failure without raising any false alarms, fast and robust detection algorithms are needed.

This workshop will present an overview of the current state of DBW systems, followed by in-depth analysis of fault tolerant control of these systems. It will also present recent advances in the area of analytical redundancy methodologies aimed at minimizing total number of physical redundancy in DBW systems. Preliminary research findings at IUPUI on fast and robust fault detection methods via long-range prediction methodologies in the context of analytical redundancy will also be presented.

WORKSHOP OUTLINE

Section 1
1. Overview of the Drive-By-Wire Systems and On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) for Military vehicles.
2. Fault tolerant control of Drive-By-Wire systems and Fail-Safe Architectures.
3. Practical exercises and computer simulation of fault tolerant control of DBW
systems.

Section 2
1. Analytical redundancy based fault tolerant control of DBW systems: Past,
Present, and Future.
2. Fast and robust fault detection and isolation via long-range prediction
methodologies using analytical redundancy: Research at IUPUI.
3. Practical Exercises and computer simulation of analytical redundancy based fault
tolerant control of DBW systems.

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FlexRay: The New Time-Triggered Protocol for Drive-by-Wire Applications

Syed Masud Mahmud, Ph.D.
Wayne State University, Detroit MI 48202

 

Abstract: The demands on the in-vehicle communication network are expanding as more drive-by-wire applications are added to vehicle designs.  These applications, such as throttle-by-wire, brake-by-wire, and steer-by-wire, utilize the communication network to perform real-time control.  Therefore, the communication protocol must provide high-performance, high reliability, fault tolerance, and deterministic message scheduling. Various time-triggered protocols such as Byteflight, TTP, TTCAN and FlexRay have been developed for drive-by-wire applications. FlexRay is the latest time-triggered protocol. It has been developed in 2000 by an industry consortium, consisting of BMW, DaimlerChrysler, General Motors, Motorola, Philips, Volkswagen and Robert Bosch. Flexray protocol has been developed for drive-by-wire, safety critical and fault tolerant applications. The protocol specifications have been released just about a year ago. In this workshop, a detailed description of the Flexray protocol will be presented along with many examples.

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