A brake system for a heavy vehicle includes a control network, a brake
component, a central control unit, and a distributed electronic control
unit. The central control unit generates central control signals adapted
to control the brake component, which control signals are transmitted to
the brake component over the control network. The distributed electronic
control unit receives the central control signals, controls the brake
component in accordance with the central control signals if the central
control signals are received during expected time periods, and controls
the brake component in accordance with an alternative control scheme if
the central control signals are not received during the expected time
periods.