Software-defined vehicular powertrain and method of operation

摘要

A software-defined powertrain transmits commands to at least 4 distributed polyphase motor controllers. A single vehicle control unit transforms operator control indicia into a plurality of individual commands, and securely transmits said commands to each one of a plurality of independent motor controllers mechanically coupled to a single wheel by a polyphase electric motor. The motor controllers are DC to variable AC electrical converters which each receives phase and magnitude requirements. An operating system provides an encrypted application-programming interface to operate functions such as torque vectoring, cooling, braking, and battery management. The OS provides an isolating trust zone to each layer or application for authentication and validation. Upgrades are available to install new features or improvements after a vehicle is in the field. Independent developers may test and furnish new capabilities without exposing or corrupting the IP of other vehicle modalities.

主权项

1. A system for operation of a vehicle, the system comprising:
at least 4 inverters; each inverter coupled to, an energy store; the energy store and each inverter further coupled to, a single vehicle control unit (VCU); the VCU further coupled to both, an operator control interface circuit; and a plurality of sensors.