Multi-module Integration Approach to Realize Course Projects in Automotive-Electronics

A "multi-module" project involves more than onesubcomponent, with possible dependencies between components. An automotive electronics, a core course taught for the studentsof circuit branches is mainly application oriented involvingsystem level concepts. The course was introduced to cater to theneeds of automotive industries. The concepts of entire course canbe divided into five main domains, power train, safety systems, body, driver assistance and infotainment systems. Accordingly tocomplement the learning it was decided to introduce an extendedactivity in the form of course projects wherein the theme was todevelop electronic control units (ECUs) for every domain. AnECU of an automotive has multiple functionalities, eachrepresenting a sub-module of a bigger system. The integration ofsub-modules to realize a specific ECU was major objective of theactivity. The sub-module development involves modeling, hardware/software development and communication protocolimplantation. To impart the industry like working cultureamongst students, every sub-module belonging to specific ECUwas assigned to the students of different department. Submodules were developed independently by specialized dedicatedteam of a particular department and were integrated todemonstrate a final ECU by different department teams. ThePrototype models with an option of testing on a test vehicle werethe results of this activity. The student learning was measured interms of their ability to work in a team, project managementskills and their technical competencies to develop sub-modulesand integration of sub modules.