RE: [alfa] Automotive reliability

["Peter Webb" <webb.p@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> <snip>
> > How many out there have a computer with some version of
> > Windows? My understanding is Gates stuff is being used
> > extensively in automobiles like the drive-by-wire steering systems.
> >
> > Your operating system ever crash? Did the operating system in
> > your '55 Chevy ever crash?
> <snip>
>
> We've had this discussion before.  I think somebody mentioned that most
> aircraft utilize some sort of drive by wire system.
>
> I'm less leery of it now than I was.  I guess you just need to consider
> the MTBF of the computer controllers, vs the MTBF of the conventional
> linkages.  However the failure modes might be more abrupt with the drive
> by wire system..
>
> I seriously doubt Windoze is being used for these kind of systems, given
> the hardening they are subjected to.  Most use some sort of real time
> OS, afaik.
>
> The Gates stuff in a car would most likely be Windows CS, for the
> entertainment systems, etc.

Automobile systems, like ABS and critical systems are redundant embedded
controllers with a microcode set and A/D converters.   The navigation
systems are also micro devices like the handheld GPS stuff.   Many engine
management systems, I believe, use the MC68300 chip.  The GMECM systems do
anyway.  That's why you can give them a new "load" for instant horsepower.
Its assembled microcode.  If you do MC68 assembler, you can tune your own
car if you get the source, which is floating around with the DIY-EFI crowd.

Entertainment and the like could well be WinCE/PocketPC.  The AutoPC system
a few years ago was CE based with cool voice command.   Didn't work as well
as I'd expect for a $2000 stereo :)

-Peter
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