Establishing a Process for the Validation of an Electronic Control Unit Using Six Sigma Methodology 2007-01-0534

System verification and validation is a very important phase of any new electronic product development. For instance, Electronic Control Unit (ECU) needs to be tested rigorously before product launch especially in domains like automotive sector where failures could be nearly unacceptable on field. Since this is a relatively new activity for most of the OEMs in the developing countries, there is a need to establish a process for such testing activities. Establishment and adoption of the process for all ECU testing activities helps in improving the overall efficiency of the development activity. This paper discusses the application of Six Sigma methodology in establishing a process for testing of an ECU. The paper elaborates on the tools used in the different phases and the benefits of adoption of Six Sigma.