Control system and method utilizing generic modules

A control system for performing a plurality of control functions in a vehicle having a plurality of input devices for generating signals indicative of a vehicle condition and a plurality of output devices for performing a control task in response to a signal, the system comprising:

• a first control module proximately located and coupled to at least one of the plurality of input devices and at least one of the plurality of output devices, the first control module including means for receiving a control command, means for transforming the control command to output signals compatible with the at least one output device, means for receiving an input signal from the at least one input device, and means for transforming the input signal for transmission;
• at least one additional control module having means for receiving signals from the first control module, means for storing data representative of the received signals, means for processing a predetermined instruction set stored in a memory to generate a control command based on the instruction set and the received signals, and means for transmitting the control command to the first control module, wherein each of the plurality of control functions is separated into a first group of tasks and at least one additional group of tasks based on a required response time of the control function and wherein the first control module performs the first group of tasks and the at least one additional control module performs the at least one additional group of tasks;
• means for distributing power to the plurality of input devices, the plurality of output devices, the first control module, and the at least one additional control module;
• and
• means for communicating signals between the first control module and the at least one additional control module.

An electrical control system for performing a plurality of control functions each being separated into a first group of tasks and at least one additional group of tasks based on a required response time of the control function in a vehicle having a plurality of sensors for generating signals indicative of a vehicle condition and a plurality of actuators for performing a control task in response to a control command, the system comprising:

• a plurality of control modules each including a communication network receiver/transmitter, means for transforming the control command to output signals compatible with at least one of the plurality of actuators, a plurality of signal converters for receiving an input signal from at least one of the plurality of sensors, means for transforming the input signal for transmission by the network receiver/transmitter, and means for performing a control command received from another control module of the plurality of control modules;
• a communication network trunkline including means for distributing power and means for communicating signals among the plurality of control modules;
• and
• a plurality of connectors corresponding to the plurality of control modules for coupling each of the plurality of control modules to the trunkline.