The automotive industry is one of the best examples of innovation not only in mechanical but also in its computer technology. You might have heard about a smart car while still driving a 1975 Dodge Charger and you may don’t know how it works. Your old Dodge Charger may don’t have a computer box and Onboard Diagnostics II (OBD2) may sound unfamiliar to you. Don’t be sad because in this article I am going to discuss automotive programming and embedded systems. Who knows, you might be looking for a new car at Zemotor and might buy a full-automatic. Read and you’ll learn.
Today, onboard computing is everywhere. The automobile is one of the sectors that use a lot of onboard technologies. This profession, which mixes pure and hard computing (programming, application design) and electronics (sensors, interfaces, etc…), is shown as a profession of the future in the field of new technologies.
A quick overview of embedded systems on cars
Evolution and origin….
It was at the end of the 1980s that we started talking about microcontrollers in cars. Since then, their number has only increased, bringing to the passing technologies developed specifically for the automobile such as the CAN network.
What about today?
Electronics account for 30% of the price of the vehicle, there are on average between 40 and 60 computer controllers in cars and up to 80 for high-end models. Contrary to all that one might think, there is not only one computer box controller but several, scattered in the vehicle.
Technology, Electronic, Micro-controllers
These are mainly programmable microcontrollers (mostly in the C language). They are designed to take up minimal space, release little heat and consume as little energy as possible.
Sensors
In a car, you can find just about every type of sensor you can imagine, ranging from the simple temperature sensor to the tachometer (turn count) through the light sensor, rain, etc.
The transport of information
For a long time, the lengths of wires unrolled in cars are impressive and necessarily expensive (about 800 meters of cables). Since the late 1990s, networks have appeared in our cars. The CAN and LIN networks are mainly found. The goal is to connect all the calculators on a single loop and have them communicate together. For the record, the networks are sized so as to be occupied only 20% of the time.
Computer science, Real-time notion
Real-time means adding a notion of execution time to a task. On your Windows PC, running time will only affect your good mood. In your car, the reaction time between the moment you press the brake and the time your wheels are slowed down could affect your life.
Each task has a time limit that it must not exceed. For example, between the time you press the horn button and the sound of the noise, there may be a maximum of 30ms (PSA).
Programming
Everything is developed on computers and models. To compile the code, the principle of cross-compilation is used. It’s about compiling software for a platform other than the one used for development.
Most microcontrollers are equipped with an interface called JTAG (Joint Test Action Group). This interface is used to code components but also for debugging. From this port and specific software, the technician can know exactly what is going on in the microcontroller, run the software step by step, put stopping points, etc.
The benefits
Cars have always been safer thanks to safety equipment that implements on-board systems such as ABS or ESP. The comfort of the occupants has also improved considerably. In garages also electronics are useful: by plugging in a computer, the mechanic can directly know where the mechanical problem comes from.
The downsides
All of these types of equipment are expensive, complex and like any complex element, the risk of bugs is high. Electricity consumption is not negligible, it is even one of the main limits today (the Citroen C4, in a high-end model, has 2 batteries). Computer boxes are so everywhere… that there is soon no more room to put in!
Becoming an auto-reprogrammer
Automotive reprogramming has many advantages, and it is a growing activity: zoom in on to this profitable automotive business, engine reprogramming training, and the necessary skills. This type of job is new and rewarding as not many people are doing it yet.
Automotive reprogrammer, a new and still unknown trade
In this growing sector, there is no reference degree training yet: CAP, Bac Pro, BTS… That’s why many people who have downloaded software can now position themselves in this niche… often with mixed or sometimes even damaging results for their customers. Reprogramming an engine is a complex job, which is not improvised and requires great technicality: it is, therefore, better to start by finding the right training!
Before you start: the basics of the trade
Before embarking on this sector, it is better to have a certain technical background, a knowledge of the principles of the operation of a thermal engine, and a logical mind.
But there is no need to be an engine engineer: graduates of the BTS MCI (Internal Combustion Engines), experienced professionals in the automotive sector (engine preparer, garage owners,…), or any professional (or passionate!) of automotive mechanics can take our training and become a reprogrammer.
Engine reprogrammer: opportunities
Once the training is completed, the re-programmer can set up his business or work for a mechanical professional, and specialize in a specific sector: the automobile, in competition or not, the heavy goods vehicles, on which there is a strong demand from the transport companies or the agricultural sector which is also dynamic. There is also a growing demand for reprogramming related to the E85 conversion of gasoline engines.
Reprogramming is a skill that opens doors: today, more and more automotive maintenance professionals are offering this service to their customers, and are looking for qualified and trained employees. Become a professional in engine development by taking our training.
If, however, you are a software developer, you can apply as a lead programmer at automotive manufacturers.
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