Multicore ECU task-load distribution (balancing) and dynamic scheduling

Abstract

With advancements in automotive software, it is necessary to improve the processing performance of the electronic control unit (ECU) that handles the software. Existing single-core ECUs are incapable of handling the heavy, complex, and constantly evolving vehicle software. Hence, automotive software based on multicore ECUs are being developed. New methods to schedule tasks and distribute load appropriately to each core are needed for multicore ECU-based automotive software. In addition, functional safety of multicore ECUs needs to be assessed. Herein, we propose a task load distribution (balancing) and scheduling method for multicore ECUs as well as a method to achieve freedom from interference (FFI) in accordance with ISO 26262 by avoiding resource interference that may occur owing to simultaneous operation of multiple cores.