Full in-vehicle traffic capture, then the same scope on the bench at lower cost
Problem
Equipping vehicles for full traffic capture was expensive, slow to set up and heavy to install. Space, power and coverage inside the vehicle were the limiting factors.
Project experience
The work began with a few weeks on the real constraints. A modular real-time capture setup followed. It converted every relevant vehicle interface into an IT-compatible format without disturbing the vehicle network. Source and time information stayed intact with high fidelity. Storage remained optional because it drives a major share of cost. Copy stations, encryption, and trigger- or event-based trace selection were part of the scope.
Rollout
The customer sourced the equipment directly. Systems were running four to six weeks after the devices arrived on site, with expert engineering support.
Remote operation
The setup supported remote diagnostics, remote configuration and remote flash updates of the capture systems.
Scale
Several hundred vehicles were equipped. Several dozen had full trace capture. The rest used a lighter specification.
Next step
Next, the customer extended the setup to static test benches. Bench-appropriate equipment provided the same scope, format, depth and interface coverage at a considerably lower cost. Depending on the component, it was typically 30 to 60 % lower.
Result
Coverage, space and power limits were resolved. The setup can be repeated and grows with the fleet.