OEMs and suppliers now have a new tool at their disposal when developing new drivetrain architectures, courtesy of transmission and driveline specialist Drive System Design (DSD).
Infinite Control is a control system library for drivetrain control, and is intended to enable new concepts to be delivered quicker. The flexible, modular solution is suitable for conventional and xEV platforms, and features full knowledge transfer and program support services. The software packages are platform-independent.
“As powertrain architectures become increasingly complex and varied, Infinite Control enables suppliers and vehicle manufacturers to bring new concepts through development and onto the road with production-intent technology, quicker,” said Pedro Zabala, head of control systems at DSD.
“Typically, our customers find that existing production software is inflexible and slow to modify and are faced with the possibility of delaying prototype program timing. Adding complexity, despite being an initial functional concept, the business case usually requires a viable production route forward.
“Designed for production intent, the modules of Infinite Control feature a production-ready architecture compatible with functional safety standards and include advanced features such as adaptability to manufacturing tolerances, and management of complex shift strategies such as ‘change of minds’.”
DSD highlights that Infinite Control can be delivered as a bespoke white-box package, fully accessible to customers and supported by collaborative knowledge transfer to configure and operate customer systems successfully.
The modular architecture of Infinite Control means that all powertrain configurations can be catered for, whether a two-speed electric drive unit (EDU) or the most complex hybridized AT.
The company says control systems are increasingly complex as the industry adopts electrification, as multispeed EDUs often require AMT or DCT functionality.
Additionally, by including hybrid supervisory and low-level eMotor control, Infinite Control enables all transmission types including AT and CVT to be hybridized in a P2 or P3 arrangement. The investment and knowledge gained in the development of these modules can be utilized for other applications, such as BEVs.
“The new suite of control modules allows us to support a diverse range of customers, from established OEMs through to new industry entrants, who may currently lack the necessary software and control expertise and wish to develop their in-house capability through Infinite Control and DSD’s engineering support,” said Zabala.
With much of DSD’s customer work cloaked in confidentiality, the first public exposure of Infinite Control will be highlighted at the CTI Berlin Symposium in December 2018. To showcase Infinite Control, DSD has built a functional development platform on a production Jaguar F-Pace AT vehicle, which will be available for customer demonstrations in early 2019.
