Simulation
Simulation is used to model ECU thermal performance, and circuit simulations model the dynamic behavior of interfaces and power supplies. Worst-case parameters from WCA are fed into the simulators to ensure that dynamic performance meets design goals despite component value shifts. Recent projects have utilized these simulation tools:
- CHAM HOTBOX for thermal (computational fluid dynamics) modeling of the ECU heat sources and cooling methods
- SPICE to model AC and transient circuit behavior of ECU circuits interacting with system components
- Mentor ModelSim to simulate discrete digital circuits
- Various vendor-specific simulators to model switching-mode power supply performance
CFD model of an OpenECU mounted on a vertical bulkhead with natural airflow convection.
AC simulation of the frequency response of the Home Plug Green PHY power line communications used on the M560.