Communication and Control Systems

It is in this module that the student learns the principles of gateways and communication buses. The five main communication protocols in EVs are also described including the CAN protocol.  Communication conductors are also discussed and the basic operating principles of MCUs, VCUs and ECUs are explained.  In addition, an introduction to zonal architecture and domain architecture is presented.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this module the student will be able to:

  • Explain the purpose of a communications bus
  • List the seven layers in the OSI topology
  • Differentiate between ring, star and bus topology
  • Describe the purpose of a gateway in a communication system
  • Compare a CAN transceiver’s recessive and dominant state
  • List five types of communication protocols used in EVs
  • Explain the main difference between CAN and CAN FD
  • Name four benefits of automotive Ethernet
  • Compare three of the most common communication conductors in EVs
  • Describe the basic operating principles of MCUs
  • Explain the difference between a VCU and ECU
  • Differentiate between zonal architecture and domain architecture
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