Method and device for writing software objects into an electronic control unit of an internal combustion engine

An electronic control unit comprising a processing unit that accesses a memory, the processing unit configured to:

• receive a seed request from a memory writing device;
• access a first password from the memory;
• calculate a code based on the first password;
• send the code to the device;
• receive a first key generated by the device based on the code;
• perform a comparison of the key received from the device to a second key generated by the electronic control unit;
• and
• grant access to the device in response to the comparison.

An engine comprising:

• an engine block comprising at least one cylinder;
• at least one sensor;
• at least one engine control device;
• and
• an engine control unit configured to receive data from the at least one sensor and send one or more signals to the at least one engine control device in response to the data,
• the engine control unit configured to:
• receive a seed request from a memory writing device;
• access a first password from the memory;
• calculate a code based on the first password;
• send the code to the device;
• receive a first key generated by the device based on the code;
• perform a comparison of the key received from the device to a second key generated by the engine control unit;
• grant access to the device in response to the comparison.