In most cases, it is actually sufficient to look at the ECU’s inputs and outputs to functionally test a component (Figure 1). However, this becomes difficult when state machines are used in the ECU. Their current states can only be derived indirectly by their effects at the ECU’s outputs. In the case of sensors whose values are not transmitted over the network system, it is also very difficult for the test engineer to localize errors to the software interface. From outside the ECU, it is not clear exactly where the sensor value was incorrectly processed.

Different methods that offer access to internal ECU data are used, depending on the phase of ECU development. In early phases, for example, internal ECU values are often output in so-called “reserved development messages” (Figure 1). For the functional developer at a supplier, this is an effective and quick method that precisely targets a specific objective. However, these supplemental messages must be removed for later development phases, especially for system integration and series production. They induce additional bus load, and in the worst case they might even collide with messages of other system components. Another way to access internal values is through diagnostics (Figure 1). Some information is available directly via diagnostics, e.g. diagnostics offers access to fault memory. Special diagnostic services are also provided to read the required values from memory. The advantage here is that a standardized access method is used. The only precondition is full integration of the diagnostic driver; this is generally provided in today’s ECUs. The disadvantage of this method is that a lot of unnecessary diagnostic protocol information is transmitted along with the actual measured values, and this adds load to the network system interface. A data flow analysis of many values is not possible, especially since the measured values do not contain time stamp information.

XCP For Test Access

If network interface load needs to be kept low, an alternative is to use a calibration protocol. Originally, such protocols were developed for the ECU calibrator. They let calibrators modify parameters or characteristic maps in the ECU to optimize their algorithms. With the XCP protocol standardized by ASAM, the user can read individual values directly from the ECU as needed. The protocol can also periodically supply a defined set of measured values from the ECU via so-called Data Acquisition (DAQ) lists. The XCP protocol was defined for efficient provision of data over the network medium. As an example, after configuration the DAQ lists can be transmitted in response to a single identifier from the test system. In addition, measurement times of the DAQ lists can be synchronized to internal ECU processes. Automated test systems place similar requirements on the system. Use of the XCP protocol makes it possible to integrate internal values in test sequences without excessive loading of the ECU or the network system used. Another reason that a widely used standard like XCP is ideal is that it is very easy to configure in the tool chain. All necessary information is already in the A2L file such as internal program memory locations with their names and communication parameters. Depending on the development environment, the A2L file is either automatically generated, or it may need to be generated in a separate step from the linker-map information. In the test tool, the user only has to configure this file once for each ECU used in the test. In a second step, the user selects the symbols needed for the test sequences from the A2L file.

CANoe Option .AMD/XCP

Option .AMD/XCP supplements the CANoe test tool from Vector with the convenient option of reading and writing internal ECU values. Besides supporting the XCP standard, it also supports the previous protocol CCP. Once the A2L file has been configured and the necessary values selected, CANoe automatically acquires them and maps them as system variables. The user can then use these variables in any of the testing tasks. Besides offering access to ECU inputs and outputs, they also provide an in-depth look into the ECU’s memory (Figure 2).

In simple analysis tasks, users can display the data in the Trace or Graphic Window and use panels to evaluate the results. For more complex test sequences, CANoe’s Test Feature Set offers extensive options for creating test cases and automatically evaluating them. For example, this enables checking of the Network Management state machine for correct functionality. The necessary stimulation is performed in the CANoe rest-of-bus simulation, and the ECU’s reaction is not just measurable on the network; it is directly measurable in the ECU over XCP. The effort required to execute test cases is also significantly reduced, e.g. for test cases that require sensors. The test system writes the sensor values directly to memory cells in the ECU over XCP. This eliminates the need to connect and control original sensors at the ECU inputs – a demanding task. The ECU is notified that the sensor and associated hardware driver have measured the values correctly. The same approach can be used in the other direction. Here it is assumed that the output stage and actuator have been tested and accepted. In this case, the test system measures the value that the application prescribes to the driver stage over XCP.

Access With Large Quantities Of Data

If large quantities of data need to be exchanged between the test system and the ECU in a test case, or if especially quick processes need to be monitored, an XCP connection over a CAN network is no longer effective. In such cases, direct access to the ECU’s debug interfaces is recommended. This could be implemented via a NEXUS or JTAG interface, for example. These protocols directly access the ECU memory − partly without load on the microcontroller. Taking this approach, the user can quickly read out very large quantities of data from the system without loading the network and the ECU.

Vector VX hardware, for example, offers direct access to an ECU’s NEXUS or JTAG interface (Figure 2). Since this hardware communicates with the test system via XCP-on-Ethernet, integration in CANoe is as easy as integration for XCP access over CAN. Combining VX hardware with the CANoe test system further improves test system performance, without any negative effects on the communication medium. (MT)

NB: Oliver Falkner is group leader at Vector in product management of the Networks and Distributed Systems product line. Views expressed are personal.

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Chinese technology company Neusoft Corporation and Mappls MapmyIndia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to leverage their strengths in software and data resources to collaborate deeply.

The companies will engage in joint technological development, ecosystem collaboration and resource integration to provide navigation products and intelligent mobility solutions tailored to localised needs in emerging markets such as Southeast Asia and India.

The partnership is a response to the fact that while global auto brands are expanding into Southeast Asia and India, they face challenges in these regions due to complex road conditions, unique traffic rules, extensive addressing systems and high localisation adaptation costs. These issues limit the ability of automakers to deliver a complete intelligent user experience.

Under the collaboration, Neusoft will adopt its OneCoreGo Global Intelligent Mobility Solution 6.0 Plus as the core technology carrier, deeply integrating MapmyIndia's map data, real-time traffic information and multi-dimensional value-added services. MapmyIndia is noted as the largest local mapping company in India, holding more than 90 percent market share in in-vehicle navigation.

The integration is intended to strengthen a full capability loop of ‘navigation + payment + interaction + connectivity + operations’.

Through API integration and technological convergence, the two parties will jointly develop navigation products and mobility solutions highly adapted to Southeast Asia, India and similar regional markets. These solutions will deliver precise route planning and real-time traffic guidance, address local user needs and continuously enhance product experience and scenario-based services. This will help automotive partners rapidly launch intelligent vehicle models with competitiveness in local markets.

The partnership enables Neusoft to combine the global end-to-end strengths of its solution with localised ecosystem resources, paving the ‘last mile’ for automakers entering the Southeast Asian and Indian markets and delivering comprehensive intelligent mobility experiences.

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Bengaluru-based electric vehicle maker Ultraviolette Automotive has secured USD 45 million from Zoho Corporation and Lingotto, one of Europe's investment management companies as part of its ongoing Series E investment round.

The investment from Zoho Corporation was led by Sridhar Vembu, Mani Vembu and Kumar Vembu.

This growth capital will accelerate the domestic and international scale-up of current products F77 and X-47, as well as future product platforms Shockwave and Tesseract.

Ultraviolette has built a design and technology-led enterprise with the F77 and the recently launched X-47.

The company has expanded to 30 cities across India in a short span of 12 months and is expanding to 100 cities by mid-2026. The F77 motorcycles were recently launched in the United Kingdom, bringing Ultraviolette's presence to 12 countries across Europe.

Narayan Subramaniam, Co-Founder & CEO, Ultraviolette Automotive, said, “We are glad to announce our Series E investment from Zoho and Lingotto. Lingotto's legacy of backing iconic performance and mobility brands, combined with Zoho's long-term commitment to fostering cutting-edge Indian innovation, aligns perfectly with Ultraviolette's mission to build category-defining electric mobility solutions for India and global markets.”

Niraj Rajmohan, CTO & Co-Founder, Ultraviolette, said, "With the ongoing Series E investments, we are doubling down on growth and expanding our production to meet increasing demand. Our focus is on advancing breakthrough battery technology, elevating performance capabilities and expanding production to support upcoming product platforms. This investment will accelerate our journey towards scaling into India and global markets."

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Agentic AI platform Disseqt AI has announced a partnership with Tata Technologies and Infosys. As per the agreement, Disseqt AI will assist both companies' IT and DevOps teams in developing and fast-tracking the production of tailored Agentic AI applications for automobile and FinTech companies globally.

The partnership aims to help auto and FinTech firms embrace customised Agentic AI faster and in a secure manner.

Disseqt AI, which has operations in Bengaluru, San Francisco and Dublin, provides an enterprise-grade platform for IT and DevOps teams. The company claims its platform cuts down Agentic AI testing and operations cost by 70 percent and improves productivity by up to 80 percent. The platform allows these teams to test, simulate and monitor their Agentic AI systems tailored across industries, ultimately enabling enterprises to operationalise tailored Agentic AI faster and at scale, without sacrificing ethics, governance and compliance.

Apoorva Kumar, Founder and CEO, Disseqt AI, said, “This is a landmark announcement for us as we further embed Disseqt into enterprise workflows for testing, simulation, monitoring and auditability purposes. We are already working closely with both Tata and Infosys on several projects and are proud to be part of their innovation initiatives”

Last month, Disseqt AI announced a strategic collaboration with HCLTech and Microsoft to guide financial services institutions with Agentic AI adoption.

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Battery and Energy Storage Europe has announced a programme focused on the EU Battery Passport, a regulatory milestone that becomes mandatory in February 2027. The Barcelona-based event will address the compliance gap for applications beyond the electric vehicle (EV) sector, which have dominated the conversation to date.

The event, taking place on 8th and 9th September 2026 at Fira de Barcelona's Gran Via venue, will focus on solutions and talks for applications that fall within the regulation's scope: stationary energy storage, industrial batteries, grid-scale systems, long-duration energy storage and emerging applications in aerospace, maritime and rail electrification.

With the February 2027 legal requirement date approaching, the programme will bring together industry leaders, technology providers, and policy experts to address the compliance challenges facing these diverse sectors.

The Battery Passport is a digital record documenting a battery's entire lifecycle, from raw material sourcing to production, performance and eventual recycling. From February 2027, it becomes mandatory for all rechargeable EV, industrial and LMT batteries over 2 kWh sold in the EU.

Linked via QR code, the passport will track each battery's complete lifecycle, including composition, carbon footprint and recycled content, fundamentally transforming supply chain transparency and sustainability practices across Europe.

The programme will explore implementation topics including digital infrastructure requirements, data management systems, supply chain integration, verification processes and recycling traceability.

Ken Davies, Conference Programme Director at Battery and Energy Storage Europe, said, "The Battery Passport represents one of the most significant regulatory shifts our industry has faced, yet many companies are still grappling with what implementation actually means for their operations. While the EV sector has dominated the conversation, there's a critical need to address how this regulation applies to stationary storage, industrial applications and the innovative battery technologies powering Europe's energy transition. With the clock ticking toward February 2027, Battery and Energy Storage Europe will shine a light on the practical implementation requirements for these often-overlooked sectors, connecting stakeholders with actionable solutions and bringing together the expertise, technology providers, and collaborative spirit needed to turn compliance into competitive advantage across the full spectrum of battery applications."

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