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The complexity of electronic systems embedded in modern vehicles has led to the adoption of distributed implementations where different communication protocols are used. Although literature addressing vehicular networks presents several methods for the timing analysis of automotive systems, there is not a reference model for the holistic time analysis of heterogeneous systems where FlexRay/CAN protocols are used. In this work we propose a reference model for timing and schedulability analysis of heterogeneous FlexRay/CAN networks. The proposed reference model can be used to compute end-to-end response times and to analyze local components, such as response times in a specific network segment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We present reliability models for a group membership protocol designed for TDMA networks such as FlexRay, a protocol that is likely to become the de facto standard for next generation automotive networks. The models are based on discrete-time Markov chains and consider a comprehensive set of fault scenarios. Furthermore, they are parametric allowing for a sensitivity analysis. The results, obtained by a numeric solution of the models using the PRISM model-checker, show that they are computationally practical for realistic configurations and that the GMP can achieve reliability levels in the range required for safety critical applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the past years, control systems of cars have moved from the analog to the digital domain, and these changes affected the communication subsystems too. The next step in this direction is achieving a higher degree of performance, dependability and integration, so as to meet the needs of tomorrow''s more and more demanding applications. In particular, x-by-wire systems are appearing as the challenge that will drive research efforts of the whole automotive industry for the next decade. This means that new technologies have to be developed for in-car networks, in order to provide the high performance required by the next generation of automotive systems. TTCAN, TTP/C, Byteflight, FlexRay and Bluetooth are some of the most promising emerging solutions that have already been defined and can be embedded right in new projects. In the automotive context, it is of paramount importance being able to evaluate the key features of each solution, as well as to verify whether or not they are able to meet the requirements of specific application fields. In this paper these technologies are discussed and their characteristics are compared, pointing out the main advantages and drawbacks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]