Challenges
- Building a software component compatible with the Device Under Test (DUT) for Ethernet protocol validation.
- Developing an application compatible with the DUT for SOME/IP testing.
- Executing and ensuring proper coverage of TC8 conformance-based test cases.
Solution
- Implementing the Upper Tester Module (UTM) as per AUTOSAR Testability Protocol to validate Ethernet layers.
- Implementing the Enhanced Testability Services (ETS) application to validate SOME/IP communication behavior.
- Automating TC8-based test cases under the defined test scope.
Result
- A Device Under Test that satisfies all required TC8-based test coverage.
- An end product with stable and fault-free Ethernet-based communication channels.
Background and Need
As part of recent TCI undertakings, parking-based ECUs have shown a high demand for larger bandwidths due to the increasing number of sensors such as Ultrasonic Sensors (USS) and Camera Sensors. OEMs today prioritize automated parking as a key feature in L2+ ADAS-level automobiles, making Ethernet-based communication essential for higher throughput and reliability.
To ensure robustness, TC8 Conformance Testing, defined by OPEN Alliance, serves as a standardized reference for verifying Ethernet protocol specifications across automotive ECUs.
Ethernet Stack Testing Overview
Parking ECUs are tested rigorously across multiple protocol layers?from the MAC layer up to the Application layer. Ethernet protocols such as ARP, IP, ICMP, IGMP, TCP, and UDP are verified using over 100 TC8 test cases.
The Upper Tester Module (UTM) acts as the software component on the Parking ECU to extend Ethernet communication based on AUTOSAR-defined testability protocol frame structures and service primitives.
SOME/IP Middleware Testing
SOME/IP is rapidly growing in popularity for event-, service-, and notification-based communication in modern vehicles due to its efficiency and flexibility. Its ability to operate as both server and client across ECUs makes testing more complex and error-prone.
Over 300+ TC8 conformance test cases, covering both standard and extended interfaces, are executed and verified successfully.
The Enhanced Testability Services (ETS) application is implemented on the Parking ECU to utilize the full range of SOME/IP protocol schemas and support communication with multiple external testers (servers and client ECUs).
Future Communication in Cars
Future automobiles equipped with a wide range of sensors for higher ADAS levels will rely heavily on high-speed and high-bandwidth communication. Ethernet is the ideal candidate to satisfy these requirements. Therefore, TC8 conformance testing becomes essential to ensure reliable, compliant, and future-ready Ethernet-based communication systems in modern vehicles.