DaimlerChrysler

Background

DaimlerChrysler’s Core Tools & Processes Group (DCC Tools) produces handheld diagnostic equipment used to troubleshoot and update the electronic brains (ECUs) of DaimlerChrysler vehicles. They found us by way of our Systir system test & Domain Specific Language framework.

Doing the Right Thing

Each new vehicle requires updates to DCC Tools’ handheld devices that can and do break support for any number of existing model years. Cost prevents the automaker from maintaining a stock of all previous vehicles for regression testing. Manual testing is cost prohibitive and error prone. DCC Tools wanted to manage this situation the right way. They conceived of a testing system of racks of vehicle bucks (mounted and operational collections of electronic vehicle guts). The bucks would be multiplexed with StarMOBILE Handhelds and run comprehensive regression system tests. They asked us for testing expertise, tools, and Atoms to augment the work.

More Testing Than You Can Shake A Stick At

Atomic Object’s work encompassed a host of small, medium, and large projects all soaked in testing. The code itself was unit and system tested, and all that code was created to execute still more tests of the handheld devices themselves. We wrote suites of regression tests for StarMOBILE units and vehicle bucks. Hardware interface work included software built to operate a PXI multiplexer, to communicate with vehicle ECUs over CAN, and to remotely control power and relay switching boards. We developed a variety of tools for working with a new ECU flash update format as well as an ECU simulator. We developed full web applications for packaging and testing ECU firmware updates and managing the test and release workflow. All tested and all for testing.

Results

• Group managers stated the benefits of working with AO included a great improvement in stress management.
• Developed a range of apparatuses for StarMOBILE units that achieved the goal of automated regression testing.
• Successfully managed transition of several legacy applications from other divisions into DCC Tools’ care.
• Worked with Chrysler to develop an entirely new ECU flash update file standard and built tools responsible for successful transition to new format.