The aim of this course is to evaluate the modern vehicle ECU electronics/electrical and software architectures. The course will also cover the aspects of ECU hardware design techniques, peripheral usage, signal conditioning, processing, and an introduction to power electronics techniques. Both military and civilian vehicle systems will be discussed.

This course is designed with a focus on hands-on experience. Alongside the lectures, there will be multiple laboratory sessions and demos, to implement the theoretical understanding of various concepts. After completing the course, delegates will be awarded with the certificates.

At a glance

  • Duration5 days
  • LocationCranfield University at Shrivenham
  • Cost£1,925

What you will learn

On successful completion of the course you will be able to:

  • Explain the main components of vehicle electronic/electrical systems
  • Recognize key operational blocks within a typical automotive ECU
  • Identify sensor interface types and their signal conditioning requirements
  • Operating principles of ECU microcontrollers/microprocessors and peripherals
  • Define analog/digital sensor signal processing techniques
  • Identify software/firmware control blocks and the interaction with hardware
  • Fail safe software techniques
  • Define power electronics and actuator control techniques commonly used in modern vehicles, both autonomous and driver operated vehicles

Core content

  • Vehicle electronic/electrical fundamentals
  • ECU fundamentals and hardware architecture
  • Sensor interfaces and signal conditioning hardware
  • Automotive microcontroller/ microprocessors
  • Actuator control/electric drive power electronics
  • Power electronics semiconductor, applications, and selection
  • Embedded software and fail-safe software implementation
  • Vehicle real-time system design considerations

Who should attend

This course is aimed at design engineers, technical staff working within automotive industry. It is also suitable for engineers, technology enthusiast, who want to gain in depth knowledge via hands on experience.

Location and travel

Cranfield Defence and Security (CDS) is a Cranfield School based at the Ministry of Defence establishment on the Oxfordshire/Wiltshire borders.

Shrivenham itself lies in the picturesque Vale of the White Horse, close to the M4 motorway which links London and South Wales. It is 7 miles from Swindon, the nearest town, which lies off the M4 at the hub of Britain’s motorway network.

Bath, Cheltenham, Bristol and Oxford are all within an hour’s drive and London less than two hours away by car.

All visitors must be pre-booked in at reception by the person they are visiting on the campus.

For further location and travel details

How to apply

To apply for this course please use the online application form.

Read our Professional development (CPD) booking conditions.