A Scalable Framework for Remote Real-Time Debugging of Embedded EV Chargers via WebSocket and XCP

Abstract

The rapid proliferation of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure necessitates the development of advanced diagnostic, monitoring and maintenance capabilities. Traditional methods for embedded controllers within EV chargers are contingent on physical access, a paradigm that introduces significant logistical and economic challenges. This paper presents a novel three-tier framework architecture for remote debugging and real-time monitoring of EV charger control units. The architecture leverages the WebSocket protocol for full-duplex, low-latency remote communication and the Universal Measurement and Calibration Protocol (XCP) defined by the Association for Standardization of Automation and Measuring Systems (ASAM) MCD-1 standard for efficient, standardized data exchange with the embedded target. We define the protocol abstraction layers, present a detailed model of the communication system and validate the framework by demonstrating real-time memory read and write operations on the embedded microcontroller. Experimental results validate the framework’s efficacy in executing remote memory read/write operations using XCP over SPI and WebSocket, achieving sub-millisecond SPI transaction latency and robust performance over the internet, providing a scalable solution applicable throughout the entire EV charger life cycle.