Hybrid Models for Automotive Powertrain Systems: Revisiting a Vision

Due to the persistent need to develop increasingly complex systems with improved quality and reduced development effort, automotive manufacturers are employing model-based development approaches wherever sensible. This is particularly true for powertrain control system development, as domain relevant computer-aided control system design tools have become commercially available. It is now possible to model and simulate the powertrain system dynamics in closed-loop with detailed behavioral models of the control algorithm. These control algorithm models capture nominal, initialization, diagnostic, and failure-mode-effects management modes of operation to the extent that simulation-based validation and verification procedures can be employed. These procedures help to ensure that the algorithm design and its associated software realization meet the system requirements with quality.