The Analysis and Design of Embedded Software for Ethernet Communication Protocol Standard in the Automotive sector

This thesis investigates the development and analysis of an Ethernet driver tailored for the S32K344 microcontroller, targeting automotive Ethernet applications. With the automotive industry's shift towards more connected and autonomous vehicles, the need for reliable, high-speed communication systems within vehicles has become increasingly critical. This research aims to fill a gap in current research by providing a detailed examination of the Ethernet protocol's implementation on the S32K344 microcontroller and developing a driver that meets the strict requirements of automotive networks. The methodology adopted in this study involves a combination of theoretical analysis and practical development work. Initially, the Ethernet protocol, as applied to the S32K344, was thoroughly analyzed to understand its capabilities and limitations within automotive applications. This analysis informed the development phase, where a driver was created to facilitate efficient communication over Ethernet within automotive systems. Key to the development process was the use of loopback testing, which allowed for the validation of data transmission and reception without external network dependencies. The PE Micro board played a crucial role in debugging and testing the driver, ensuring its reliability and performance. Significant findings from this work include the successful implementation of the Ethernet driver in loopback mode, demonstrating its effectiveness in handling automotive network traffic effectively. Furthermore, the driver's design and testing have laid the groundwork for future research, particularly in testing the driver across a network of multiple Electronic Control Units (ECUs) using tools like Vector CANoe. This future work aims to simulate more complex automotive network scenarios, essential for advancing the reliability and efficiency of in-vehicle communication. The integration of the Ethernet driver within the AUTOSAR software architecture is another critical aspect of this thesis. By developing the kernel and configuration for the Ethernet driver in line with AUTOSAR standards, this work ensures compatibility with a broad range of automotive applications and highlights the importance of standardized software development in the automotive industry. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the field of automotive Ethernet communication by developing a robust, efficient Ethernet driver tailored for the S32K344 microcontroller. The findings not only demonstrate the driver's immediate capabilities but also pave the way for future advancements in automotive networking, emphasizing the critical role of high-performance communication systems in the next generation of automotive technology.