Module 1: Automotive Systems Engineering

The idea of this first module is to provide a basic course and training period on systems architecture and design with a strong focus on the automotive industry application domain. The module is set up in cooperation with the TU/e Embedded Systems Institute (ESI).

Technology domain: automotive software systems and design processes.

• Automotive design specifications
• Automotive development processes
• Specific automotive examples (hybrids etc)
• Structure and use of embedded automotive design software
• Tools

Domain goals
Goal: students are provided with the CAFCR SE tools developed by ESI on, amongst others, error budgeting and system thinking. They have practical experience in solving a problem in this domain.

Course work in this module: within module I the following courses are now planned:

• Methods and Tools for Design
• System Architecture (CAFCR method)
• System architecture – coaching
• Supevisory Control Synthesis (SCS)
• Modelling
• Technical reflection workshop
• Project Management
• Professional/Personal development
• Technical Writing
• Dutch language

 

Module 2: Hybrid and Electrical Driving

The education in this module can be summarized into the three core areas of: electric power system (including EMC), power electronics and electrical machines. A main strength in the program is to cover the solid theory foundation combined with extensive experimental verification. Electrical and hybrid electrical vehicles with focus on: energy efficiency for both propulsion as well as in –vehicle energy conversion, integrated charger and propulsion units, auxiliary power supply, adapted vehicle power electronics, large-scale use of plug-in hybrid vehicles, and connection to the grid.

Technology domain: hybrid and electrical driving.

• Drive train technology studies different electromechanical architectures for plug-in-hybrid (PHEV) and electric vehicles (EV), in order to achieve the most energy efficient solutions for each type of vehicle and driving use.
• Batteries and storage concentrates on the batteries and storage devices for electric vehicles, which nowadays are the most critical components.
• Electrical systems for the vehicle traction, including motors, generators, inverters, electronic control and cooling systems for their components, control and energy management
• Bi-directional and multi-port converters for the charging/discharging batteries and intelligent management of the electrical power demand
• Local charging infrastructure systems and communication tools between vehicles and the electric network
• Smart grids and infrastructure – integration of the electrical vehicle to the electric network through the management of smart grids.
• Software tools for modeling the system and subsystems of the HEV and EV

Domain goals:
Autonomous electrical driving concepts. Goal: students have practical experience in solving a design problem in this domain.  

 

Module 3: Software networked embedded systems

The focus of this module is on the domain software and networked embedded systems.

Technology domain: automotive software and the correspondent hardware platform, including networks and vehicle-to-vehicle communication.

• Automotive hardware platforms: CPUs and buses
• Automotive applications: data oriented, control oriented
• Embedded real-time control, with examples
• Structure of embedded automotive software
• Tools

Domain goals:
Goal: students have a good overview of the software and platform aspects of modern automotive systems, understand critical elements and complications, are capable of using tools and are aware of problem solving for software intensive automotive systems. They have practical experience in solving a problem in this domain.

 

Module 4: Human-centered Design of Automotive Systems

The module will focus on human-centred automation in the context of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Possibly, the module may focus one particular system, such as Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control.

Technology domain: For the HCD-AS module, this is not the primary focus.

Domain goals: Students will get a good overview of:

• Human Factors for Automotive
• Perception/cognition (Extended version of 0P900); Attention, multitasking, Effects of experience and cognitive decline; Human Factors of Driver assistance and automation; Persuasive technology/trust; the Driver experience
• Methodology of User-centred design
• Interaction Design:
• Guidelines for design of visual, auditory and haptic displays

Module 5:  Vehicles Dynamics Design 

The education in this module focuses on core aspects of vehicle dynamics design. A main strength of this module is to provide solid analysis and simulation tools for the understanding of the behaviour of a vehicle, which includes commercial vehicles, motor cycles, electric vehicles etc. The behaviour of a vehicle has to be understood and evaluated with respect to dynamic tests and manoeuvres for vehicle safety and comfort.

Technology domain: vehicle dynamics design (simmechanics, design, vehicle dynamics control)

• Vehicle design, component design (e.g., suspension, brakes, etc)
• Simmechanics for dynamic testing
• Development of specific dynamic tests
• Development of experimental test program in conjunction with design
• Tires: understand modelling and influence on the overall dynamics
• Effect of specific vehicle dynamics controllers, e.g. ABS, EBS, 4-wheel steer etc on dynamic vehicle tests

Domain goals:
Develop understanding of influence of vehicle design and or vehicle controller on the overall vehicle performance. Goal: students have practical experience in solving a design problem in this domain.

Module 6:  Final project 

Doing a design project at a company.