Abstract: In a method and apparatus for configuration of networked controllers in a vehicle that can be manufactured with various outfitting variants (that is, differing components and features), at least one controller being configurable to different outfitting variants of the vehicle, characterizing information is stored for the various outfitting variants of the vehicle. The data for configuring the controllers are stored in an outfitting variant controller on board the vehicle. A particular controller that is to be configured in this manner transmits characterizing information to the outfitting variant controller for configuration to a specified outfitting variant of the vehicle in which it is installed. The outfitting variant controller assembles the data for configuring the particular controller using the characterizing information and the data stored on the outfitting variant controller.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for configuration of networked controllers in a vehicle that can be manufactured with various outfitting variants (that is, differing components and features), at least one controller being configurable to different outfitting variants of the vehicle, characterizing information is stored for the various outfitting variants of the vehicle. The data for configuring the controllers are stored in an outfitting variant controller on board the vehicle. A particular controller that is to be configured in this manner transmits characterizing information to the outfitting variant controller for configuration to a specified outfitting variant of the vehicle in which it is installed. The outfitting variant controller assembles the data for configuring the particular controller using the characterizing information and the data stored on the outfitting variant controller.

Abstract: In a system for managing networks in a transportation unit, subscribers to the network are equipped with a network management functionality, by which they can be switched into and out of an operating mode with lower power drain. A network manager transmits a switch-off signal over the network in order to switch one or more subscribers into a state that is without network communication capability, and each subscriber is capable of being awakened again by a message over the network. The network is formed from a plurality of network segments that are separated from one another by means of at least one gateway. The network manager for all the subscribers of a network segment switches the network segment off if no subscriber thereto is any longer required by another network segment, and each subscriber is able to be switched off.

Abstract: An electronic vehicle controller has a processor unit and a communication output stage for coupling the controller to a databus. A data protocol device, which is connected between the processor unit and the communication output stage, variably defines the data protocol to be used for a particular data transfer, as a function of protocol control information which is supplied to its input side. The data protocol device may be in the form of hardware or software, and allows flexible data protocol selection even at the end of the controller development process.