Incremental Build Workflow with UGG

Unified Graphics Generator (UGG)

The Unified Graphics Generator (UGG) is a high-performance tool that generates interactive models, SVG images, and map files from Simulink, ASCET, or C-Code models.

UGG separates model conversion from the final EHANDBOOK Container generation. This enables an Incremental Build workflow.

The main benefits are:

  • Pre-generated Artifacts: UGG generates the required artifacts in advance. These artifacts can be reused for later container builds.

  • Incremental Updates: UGG processes only the models that have changed. Unchanged models do not need to be processed again.

  • Faster Builds: EHANDBOOK Container-Build (EHB-CB) reuses the existing artifacts to generate the final container. This reduces build time, especially for large ECU software projects.

UGG is useful for automated build environments where containers need to be generated quickly and frequently, especially for large projects with regular software updates.

Conceptual Overview

In a standard build, EHANDBOOK Container-Build (EHB-CB) converts the models and generates the container in the same process.

For large ECU projects, converting many Simulink or ASCET models can take a long time.

With UGG, model conversion is separated from container generation. UGG generates the model artifacts in advance, and EHB-CB reuses them when creating the final container.

The workflow consists of the following steps:

  1. Artifact Generation: UGG processes Simulink, ASCET, or C-Code models and generates artifacts such as interactive model data, SVG images, and map files.

  2. Incremental Update: When a model changes, UGG processes only the changed model.

  3. Fast Assembly: EHB-CB reuses the generated artifacts and combines them with other documentation sources, such as AsciiDoc or ASAM FSX, to create the final .ehb container.

Workflow

Incremental Build Workflow with UGG

Target Usage

The incremental workflow is recommended for:

  • Continuous Integration (CI): Automated build pipelines such as Jenkins or GitLab CI, where documentation needs to be updated regularly.

  • Large Model Landscapes: Projects with many models or different model formats, where converting everything during each build takes too long.

  • Fast Feedback Loops: Development environments where users need access to the latest documentation container quickly.

Target Users

This workflow is mainly intended for:

  • ECU Software Build Experts: Responsible for maintaining the automated build environment.

  • Process & Tooling Leads: Responsible for defining the methods and tools used for ECU software development.

Starting with EHANDBOOK 13.2, UGG and EHB-CB are included in a single software distribution. This simplifies the setup of incremental build environments.

UGG functionality still requires the appropriate electronic license, for example:

EHB_CB_UGG_SIMULINK