Wireless backup communication link for vehicle control

A vehicle drive-by-wire system, comprising:

• a vehicle feature unit configured to provide an output derived from a driver manipulation an input to the vehicle feature unit;
• a functional control module coupled to the vehicle feature unit and configured to receive and translate the output into actuator instructions;
• an actuator coupled to the functional control module and configured to respond to the actuator instructions;
• a wireline communication link that is configured to couple the functional control module and the actuator;
• a wireless communication link that is configured to couple the functional control module and the actuator;
• and
• a communication control unit that is configured to test the wireline communication link and the wireless communication link, the communication control unit further configured to redirect communication between the functional control module and the actuator to the wireless communication link if the communication control unit detects a failure in the wireline communication link.

A method of operating a vehicle drive-by-wire system, comprising the steps of:

• generating an output indicative of a driver requested setting of a first drive-by-wire function;
• providing an actuator command based at least in part on the output;
• testing a wireline communication link that is configured to transmit the actuator command to an actuator;
• and
• enabling a wireless communication link to transmit the actuator command to the actuator if said testing of the wireline communication link indicates a failure in the wireline communication link.

An automobile drive-by-wire system, comprising:

• a sensor that is configured to generate an output indicative of a driver requested setting of a drive-by-wire function;
• a zone control module coupled to the sensor and providing an actuator command based at least in part on the output of the sensor, the zone control module controlling multiple actuators in a common zone;
• a wireline communication link coupled to the zone control module and configured to receive and transmit the actuator command;
• a wireless communication link coupled to the zone control module and configured to receive and transmit the actuator command;
• a communication control unit coupled to the wireline communication link and the wireless communication link, the communication control unit configured to:
• identify a failure of the wireline communication link to transmit the actuator command;
• redirect transmission of the actuator command over the wireless communication link;
• identify a failure of the wireless communication link to transmit the actuator command;
• and
• implement a failsafe strategy if the failure of the wireline communication link and the failure of the wireless communication link exist.