Verification and Validation for Modular Development Platforms

Abstract

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">As electrified powertrains trends towards the new norm in development, the need to consider modular development approaches becomes more prevalent. Modular system developments seek to offer an adaptable product range by considering each system component (transmission, e-motor, inverter, battery, etc.) and system element (park-lock, disconnect, differential, etc.) as interchangeable. This can result in a lower cost development process overall to increase the returns for tier1 suppliers by expanding the marketability of the platform.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">Such an approach has hitherto held relatively low commercial interest as the rate of technological advancement negated the benefits of a modular development due to the lack of long-term competitivity. Previously large technological advances between successive productions and the relatively limited EV market, centred around SUV and small car applications, reduced the value in committing to a platform development. The slowing of the technological advance and the increasing range of electrified powertrain applications has reduced that barrier.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">This study will explore the modular platform development from the verification and validation perspective and evaluate the necessary changes in the approach and the potential savings that can be expected relative to a classical, bespoke-product approach. Consideration will be given to the verification and validation of sub-systems and system components for a range of applications, each with unique requirements. Which verification and validation activities to conduct at which system level and what extent of the verification and validation can be extended to a new application will also be considered.</div></div>