SPARC - Secure Propulsion using Advanced Redundant Control

The goal of SPARC is to substantially improve traffic safety and efficiency for heavy goods vehicles using intelligent x-by-wire technologies in the powertrain. To prove this standardised concept a SW/HW platform will be developed that is scalable down to small passenger cars (sPC) and be integrated therein. Natural motion is described by a vector (direction and velocity). The driver creates the desired motion vector, while being supported by an exchangeable HMI. Additionally a safety assistance and evaluation system (based on an interactive display information system using satellite navigation systems (GPS) and a smart camera to inspect the environment) creates another motion vector in parallel (the redundant vector). Both vectors are input to the Safety Decision Control System (DCS). The DCS will run on a central redundant cabin-ECU. The DCS will avoid accidents by compensating for driver failure probability (driver incapacity, dead man state) by generating a secure motion vector based on a comparison of both vectors. This secure vector will be passed onto the extended X-by-Wire powertrain.

>> SPARC website