Modern automotive engineering demands innovation that far surpasses mobility. Today’s vehicles serve as integrated ecosystems that blend safety, performance, and connectivity to meet diverse needs of drivers and passengers. However, balancing these elements can present a challenge for auto manufacturers. Let’s explore how they navigate the terrain to deliver vehicles that check all the boxes of consumer wants and needs before they hit the road.
What is a Software-Defined Vehicle?
Software-defined vehicles (SDVs) are automobiles whose features and functions are primarily enabled through software. This concept reflects the ongoing transformation of vehicles from being mainly hardware-based products to becoming software-centric electronic devices on wheels.
Unlike traditional vehicles, SDVs can be continuously optimized through over-the-air (OTA) software updates even after leaving the factory. They enable continuous connectivity with their environment, allowing data collection and real-time enhancements that can be personalized for driver preferences.
New SDV features can be activated individually according to the driver’s needs. Software updates are offered as a service through contract, subscription, one-time purchase, and other pricing models. SDVs collect data throughout their operation, to inform ongoing improvements and feature enhancements via OTA updates. Other updates ensure that vehicles retain or increase in value throughout their life cycles.
All of this functionality is enabled by separating the vehicle’s hardware (or physical components) from its software (the digital code that controls operation).
Safety
Safety is the cornerstone of automotive design, transcending all other considerations. Auto manufacturers devote substantial resources to implement advanced safety features to mitigate risks of all kinds, avoid and prevent accidents, and protect occupants. From passive safety measures like crumple zones and airbags to active systems for collision avoidance and lane-keeping assistance, safety innovations continue to evolve and are driven by technological advancements.
Ensuring safety isn’t done in isolation. The integration of safety systems must harmonize with other functions, striking a balance between protecting occupants and optimizing vehicle performance.
Performance
Vehicular performance considers a lengthy list of functions that include engine operation, structural integrity, heating and cooling, fluid levels, tire wear and pressure, fuel efficiency, exhaust and emissions, gauges, turn indicators, power windows–and much, much more. To balance drivers’ must-haves and wish-lists, auto manufacturers leverage advanced engineering techniques, software, electronics, and other cutting-edge technologies.
Investments include lightweight materials, aerodynamic design, and efficient powertrains. High-performance engines coupled with sophisticated transmission systems optimize acceleration and responsive handling, while advanced fuel injection and hybrid-electric drivetrains optimize fuel efficiency, reducing emissions and minimizing environmental footprint.
Connectivity
Today’s drivers expect their vehicles to function as mobile hubs for communication, information, and entertainment–or infotainment–nearly as much as their reliance for safe transport from Point A to B, C, and D. Intuitive touchscreen interfaces, voice-activated controls, smartphone integration, and advanced navigation will become near-standard features once the future of transportation arrives with real-time vehicle-to-everything (V2X) capabilities.
Among them are enhanced vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) data-sharing, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication (to interact with traffic lights and infrastructure to improve traffic flow and safety), and vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) sensors for driver alerts.
Striking the Balance
Balancing critical safety, performance, and connectivity functions is a challenge that requires a holistic approach to vehicle design and engineering. Auto manufacturers need to leverage a combination of cutting-edge technologies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and consumer insights to find the sweet spot and deliver vehicles that excel across all dimensions.
Silicon solutions play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges associated with mixed-criticality systems–that is, the must-haves and nice-to-haves–in SDVs. These solutions encompass a range of hardware and software innovations tailored to meet the stringent requirements of safety, reliability, and performance.
In particular, Arm-based silicon solutions enable providers to effectively combine high performance, energy efficiency, and open standards-based support, in addition to mixed-criticality capabilities. The applications are just one example of how pervasive the technology has become in every industry that relies on electronics.
For a complete picture of how these solutions enable auto manufacturers to deliver the total package in an SDV, read more from Sonatus.