Virtualization and the Software Defined Car

Modular Technologies Drive an Upgrade Path for Software-Defined Vehicles

Brandon Lewis for Mouser Electronics

Source: CYBERUSS/stock.adobe.com

Modern vehicles are marvels of engineering, packed with features and functionality that were unimaginable just a few years ago. However, beneath the sleek exterior lies growing complexity that presents a significant challenge for the future of the automotive industry: the ever-increasing demand for in-vehicle computations and its implications for electronic control units (ECUs).

ECUs are specialized computers that control many safety-critical and non-safety-critical tasks within a vehicle. For instance, most cars today have an ECU controlling the engine, another managing the brakes, another handling entertainment systems, and so on—all linked by the cables, wires, and software that make up a car's nervous system.

This complex network, while enabling advanced capabilities, comes with drawbacks. The sheer number of ECUs and their interdependencies result in a maze of wired connections. This adds system weight and cost and increases integration complexity, complicates software development, and limits the ability to deploy and manage firmware updates over the air (FUOTA). Without capabilities like FUOTA, automakers must employ expensive dealership visits, and owners must cope with lengthy vehicle downtime.

The good news is that the era of software-defined vehicles (SDVs) is changing everything about the automotive business, including ECUs and automotive processing architectures.

Drivers of the SDV Revolution

The evolution toward SDVs isn't merely a software change; it's a deep restructuring of the vehicle's internal architecture. At the heart of this revolution lies the concept of ECU consolidation, a re-appraisal of vehicle control and processing hierarchies that drive cost reductions and performance improvements and unlock a future of continual vehicle upgrades through software updates.

One of the innovations to emerge from the ECU consolidation movement is the use of zonal architectures or the subdivision of various vehicle subsystems into zones of related functionality. Zonal architectures address the challenges of current ECU sprawl by dividing the vehicle's systems into distinct zones. Each zone is managed by a powerful controller that consolidates the functionality of multiple legacy ECUs in its domain and is responsible for specific subsystems like powertrain, chassis, or infotainment.

This modular approach offers multiple benefits:

• Reduced Complexity, Simplified Wiring: Current car wiring is a chaotic network that can be greatly simplified using zonal layouts. Zonal topologies reduce weight and cost by using fewer high-bandwidth linkages between zones instead of many point-to-point connections, which results in smaller wiring harnesses.
• Enhanced Robustness: Fewer ECUs translate to fewer potential points of failure and attack surfaces for cyber threats. With centralized processing and resource-sharing capabilities, zonal architectures offer greater redundancy and improved security, making SDVs more resilient to malfunctions and external intrusions.
• Virtualization & Containerization: Zonal architectures pave the way for virtualization, a game-changer in software development. Multiple software applications can now run on a single powerful controller, isolated from each other through containerization technology. This enables updates and feature additions to create a seamless, modular approach to software evolution.
• OTA Updates: Thanks to zonal architectures and high-bandwidth connectivity, SDVs can continuously evolve through over-the-air (OTA) updates. SDVs can receive real-time performance enhancements, bug fixes, and even entirely new functionality over the air, keeping them feeling "new" long after purchase.

High-bandwidth connectivity, acting as the information superhighway of the SDV, further unlocks the potential of next-generation vehicle architectures. Improved networking enhances the ability to deliver continuous OTA updates that will keep SDVs working like new for years and unlock recurring revenue models through software subscriptions and customizable driving experiences.

Virtual Foundations of SDVs

Zonal architectures are the brains of SDVs, but the true magic lies within their virtual foundations. Just like a city needs a robust infrastructure to support diverse activities, SDVs rely on virtualization technologies like virtual machines (VMs) and containers to orchestrate the symphony of software that keeps them running.

VMs provide secure, partitioned execution environments for various software workloads. Essentially, VMs can serve as virtual computers within the SDV's central or semi-distributed zonal controllers, with each VM dedicated to specific tasks like engine management, driver assistance, or infotainment. Such modularity unlocks a multitude of benefits:

• Development Efficiency: VMs streamline software development by isolating different projects and functionalities. Developers can work on updates for one section without affecting others, thereby boosting efficiency and reducing test complexity.
• Dynamic Scaling: VMs adapt to changing demands. For example, a VM handling navigation can dynamically expand its virtual resources and draw more processing power during complex navigation to ensure a seamless user experience.
• Enhanced Safety: In cases of extreme workload consolidation, VMs provide crucial separation for mixed-criticality software where functions like entertainment pose lower risks than those controlling brakes. This isolation ensures that a malfunction in one VM doesn't affect the critical operations of another, enhancing overall system safety.

In short, VMs provide a complete execution environment for software. Containers, on the other hand, are lightweight and portable packages that contain everything needed to run a specific software module. This approach offers significant advantages of its own:

• Rapid Deployment and Updates: Deploying new features or bug fixes becomes significantly faster with containers. Updates can be rolled out one module at a time, minimizing downtime and potential risks.
• Scalability Across Models: Since containers are platform-independent, the same containerized function can run on different SDV platforms, regardless of hardware variations. This dramatically reduces development and maintenance costs for automakers.
• Centralized Control and Monitoring: With managed containers, automakers gain centralized control and monitoring capabilities. Imagine having a real-time dashboard showcasing the performance of each software module. This would enable swift diagnostics and coordinated responses to security threats or critical malfunctions.

Modularity with VMs and containers helps automakers get ahead of the curve and streamline their operations. With them, SDVs can easily incorporate new software and hardware developments. Need to upgrade your in-car entertainment system with the latest AI features? Simply swap out the corresponding container with an updated version.

This adaptability guarantees that the technology in the SDV stays up to date and adjusts to changing industry requirements, keeping automakers at the forefront of automotive innovation. These developments lead to the end of the conventional ECU paradigm and the emergence of a new era of flexible, upgradeable, and constantly changing automobiles.

SDVs on the Street

Tesla is a captivating case study of driving the industry forward by adopting zonal architectures and OTA updates. For instance, Tesla Model S and X cars boast a single, high-performance Full Self-Driving (FSD) computer that handles tasks previously managed by many independent ECUs. This streamlined architecture reduces weight and complexity and unlocks a world of possibilities through software updates.

Imagine receiving an OTA update that improves your Tesla's range by 10 miles overnight. That's exactly what happened in 2020, showcasing the power of software-driven performance enhancements. But Tesla's ambition extends beyond range anxiety. In 2022, they introduced the "Summon" feature, which allows owners to park and retrieve their cars remotely using a smartphone app—unthinkable functionality in a hardware-defined vehicle.

But Tesla isn't the only player in the game. Mercedes-Benz's new EQS sedan employs a modular electrical architecture, laying the groundwork for future software-defined capabilities. Volvo also embraces zonal architectures, while Toyota and GM are actively exploring similar concepts. The global automotive landscape is shifting, and SDVs are driving the change.

Beyond carmakers, suppliers are also adapting. Companies like NXP Semiconductors and Bosch are developing robust, centralized controllers designed explicitly for zonal architectures. This thriving ecosystem fosters innovation and ensures the necessary hardware infrastructure for the SDV revolution to flourish.

Conclusion

The rise of SDVs marks a pivotal moment in the automotive landscape. Zonal architectures, with their centralized processing and modular design, unlock a future of continuous innovation. Imagine vehicles that learn and adapt, receiving personalized updates that enhance driving experiences and tailor performance to individual needs. Imagine cars that evolve with you—not just alongside you—becoming more innovative, safer, and more efficient over time.

The ability to remotely update critical systems like brakes and collision avoidance software promises to significantly improve road safety. Additionally, the continuous optimization of engine performance and energy management through software updates can pave the way for a future of cleaner, more sustainable transportation.

The road ahead, however, isn't without bumps. Ensuring the security and reliability of software updates is paramount. Regulators and manufacturers must work together to establish robust cybersecurity protocols for these connected vehicles. Additionally, managing mixed-criticality systems, where functions like entertainment and braking have different safety requirements, demands sophisticated virtualization solutions.

The evolution of SDVs is still in its early stages, but the potential is undeniable. Ongoing advancements in zonal architecture design, high-bandwidth connectivity technologies, and development platforms tailored specifically for SDVs will accelerate the rise of autonomous vehicles and connected car services. Imagine a world where cars seamlessly communicate with each other and the infrastructure around them, creating a symphony of intelligent mobility.