Project : Door Control Systems
Developed feature software for power windows and mirrors on Ford vehicle platforms, implementing anti-pinch safety algorithms on a resource-constrained 8-bit microcontroller.
Project Overview
This project focused on bringing advanced door-control functionality—such as window lift, mirror control, and anti-pinch detection—to cost-sensitive automotive platforms.
The challenge lay in delivering production-grade safety behavior on an ultra-low-power 8-bit MCU with tight memory and timing budgets.
The software architecture had to balance safety response times, current sensing accuracy, and wake-sleep power modes within minimal processing capacity.
Key Details / Outcomes
Production-Ready Code: Delivered firmware meeting OEM safety and timing standards across multiple vehicle variants.
Anti-Pinch Safety: Implemented current-based obstruction detection and reversal logic ensuring occupant protection.
Optimized Resource Use: Achieved full feature set within <32 KB flash and <2 KB RAM footprint.
Challenges & Learnings
- Designing anti-pinch detection without dedicated current sensors demanded creative algorithm tuning on raw ADC data.
- Managing precise timing for motor PWM control and stall detection on an 8-bit core required careful ISR and scheduler optimization.
- Ensuring deterministic safety responses under simultaneous mirror and window events drove extensive in-vehicle validation.
Interested in embedded control development or low-resource optimization work?