Drivetrain control systems to be showcased at CTI Berlin

Called Infinite Control, it combines a flexible and quickly adaptable control system solution for both conventional and xEV platforms with full knowledge transfer and programme support services. 

“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,” explained DSD’s Head of Control Systems, Pedro Zabala.

“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,” added Zabala.

“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 ensures that all powertrain configurations can be catered for, whether a two-speed Electric Drive Unit (EDU) or the most complex hybridised AT.

Control Systems are increasingly complex as the industry adopts electrification, as multi-speed 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 hybridised in a P2 or P3 arrangement.

The investment and knowledge gained in the development of these modules can be reutilised 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,” concluded 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.

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. Drive System Design’s CTI stand will be located in the Europe Hall, Stand K08.