FlexRay and its features

What is FlexRay?

FlexRay is a type of high-speed data bus system used in the automotive industry. This system is primarily used to send and receive data between electronic control units (ECUs) in automobiles. And FlexRay is designed to allow multiple control units to communicate simultaneously, providing high reliability and real-time performance.

FlexRay also offers high bandwidth and versatility to meet data communication needs in complex automotive systems. The protocol contributes to increased safety and reliability in automotive electronic systems and is used, for example, to control critical automotive functions such as brake control systems and engine control systems.

These features make FlexRay an important next-generation communication protocol that will play a key role in the automotive industry, providing a high degree of safety and performance.

Background of the emergence of FlexRay

There are a number of reasons for the emergence of FlexRay, but the main one is that as automobiles become more sophisticated, there is a growing demand for more sophisticated data buses.

Automotive sophistication and data bus sophistication requirements

FlexRay has emerged in response to increasingly complex requirements for electronic control systems in the automotive industry. In recent years, as vehicles have become more functional, safer, and more comfortable, the data communication requirements for their control have also increased. This has led to situations where the conventional communication protocol CAN (Controller Area Network) is unable to provide sufficient performance.

In addition, with the recent shift to by-wire (described below) in automobiles, higher performance data communication protocols have become necessary when immediate responsiveness is required, such as in brake control, steering control, and engine control.

To meet these requirements, FlexRay was developed, which enables fast and reliable real-time communication and efficient data communication between multiple ECUs. As such, it has become a key enabling technology for advanced functions in complex automotive systems.

By Wire

By-wire refers to a system in which electronic control systems operate directly without mechanical linkages in vehicle control. This allows key vehicle controls such as braking, steering, and throttle to be achieved electronically.

In conventional vehicles, the force of the brake pedal pressed by the driver is directly transmitted to the brake system, and the actual braking operation is accomplished through a mechanical linkage. Similarly, steering and gas pedal operations were also realized through mechanical linkages.

In a by-wire system, on the other hand, these operations are electronically controlled by sensors and actuators. For example, the operation of the brake pedal is detected by sensors, interpreted by the control unit, and the actual braking operation is performed through the appropriate actuator. Similarly, the steering wheel and gas pedal are operated according to the same principle.

And the by-wire system makes vehicle operation more precise and the connection between driver and vehicle smoother. It also improves safety and reliability, and contributes to vehicle weight and structural efficiency.

By-wire and FlexRay

One of the goals in developing FlexRay was to meet the requirements for data communication in a bi-wire system. This allows multiple control units in a vehicle to exchange the necessary data in real time. This is a key element for automakers to efficiently implement complex control systems.

And FlexRay is making a significant contribution to the development of by-wire systems by enabling high-speed, real-time data communication in electronic control systems. This will enable automakers to develop safer, higher-performing vehicles and meet the needs of consumers.

FlexRay and Cellular Technology

FlexRay can also be considered as an example of cell phone technology applied to automobiles.

Mobile Phone Technology and Automotive Technology

Cell phone technology is widely used in the automotive industry. The automotive industry is applying cell phone communication and networking technologies in a variety of innovations to improve vehicle functionality, safety, energy efficiency, and the entertainment experience.

For example, cellular networks are sometimes used as the communication infrastructure for vehicles. Cellular phone communication protocols are also utilized for vehicle-to-vehicle communications and communications between vehicles and infrastructure. This improves the efficiency and safety of transportation systems, including real-time sharing of traffic information and networking of automated vehicles.

Cell phone technology is also being used in in-car entertainment and infotainment systems. This improves in-vehicle communication and information access, enhancing comfort and convenience.

Furthermore, cell phone sensor and communication technologies are also being applied in the development of sensor technology and automated driving technology.

What is TDMA?

We will now look at “TDMA” as a specific example of cell phone technology.

Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) is a communication technology that allows multiple users to share the same channel by dividing the available time into fixed periods, called slots, and assigning each user a slot. Each user can then send and receive data only in the allocated slot.

TDMA is widely used in cellular telephone systems. This technology allows multiple users to communicate using the same frequency band. Each user can transmit data at different times and the time slots are coordinated so that they do not overlap.

TDMA enables more efficient use of bandwidth and reduces interference when multiple users share the same channel. This technology is used in many communication systems, including cellular and satellite communications.

FlexRay as an application of cell phone technology

FlexRay employs TDMA, a technology that allows multiple nodes to communicate using the same physical medium; FlexRay divides time into multiple cycle slots and allows communication between different devices in each cycle slot. This allows multiple devices to efficiently share the same physical medium for real-time data communication.

In other words, TDMA allows multiple ECUs to efficiently share the same communication network. This allows complex control systems to communicate accurately and quickly, improving vehicle safety and performance.

In other words, the concept of EDA has been introduced in various situations in the automotive field. That is how much EDA and data science technologies are in demand in the automotive field.

summary

The above is a description of FlexRay, a next-generation high-speed data bus system that offers many advantages.

FlexRay is a standard established in response to the recent sophistication of automobiles, and is defined based on the accumulation of a long history of data buses for automobiles, with a view to further development. In order to meet new needs such as bi-wire, the standard has evolved greatly, incorporating technologies from other fields such as TDMA used in cellular phones.

And it is expected to become the standard for future automotive high-speed data bus systems.

There is an urgent need for human resources in this field in the automotive sector as well. If you are looking for jobs related to automotive semiconductors, please contact Turnpoint Consulting. About 80% of the jobs Turnpoint Consulting handles are private jobs. Therefore, we are able to introduce you to a large number of jobs with favorable conditions that are not posted on general job sites. We support your job change with our overwhelming knowledge of the industry and thorough interview preparation. Let Turnpoint Consulting help you find the right job at the right automotive company.

Author: Fumitoshi Sato Supervisor: Turnpoint Consulting Media Team
We are a media team that provides useful information about changing jobs related to the automotive and mobility industry. For those who are thinking about changing jobs, we will provide information about the job market in the automotive and mobility industry and how to prepare for the selection process, and for corporate recruiters, we will provide information about the flow of human resources in this industry. Our goal is to help you by providing information about changing jobs and recruitment in the automotive and mobility industry.