Software-Defined Vehicles A paradigm shift in the automotive industry

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Parametric Technology GmbH

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The automotive industry is on the verge of a revolutionary transformation, driven largely by the introduction of Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV).

Modern vehicles can already contain up to 150 million lines of software code today, distributed across up to 100 electronic control units. The innovation of Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV) not only changes the way vehicles are designed and used. It also changes the relationship between vehicles and their users. What exactly are the key components and the actual benefits of SDV? What role does the software architecture and product line development play? And what does the integration of these vehicles into the ecosystem of networked mobility and smart cities mean?

Huge potentials of Software-Defined Vehicles

Software-Defined Vehicles represent a significant evolution in the automotive and its supplier industry. They transform traditional vehicles into highly intelligent, software-controlled platforms. This transformation allows vehicles to be continuously equipped with new features and to optimize their performance. The advantages of SDVs are manifold: from increased safety through advanced driver assistance systems, improved comfort through innovative infotainment solutions, to more efficient maintenance and lower operating costs through precise diagnostic tools.

In addition to the benefits already mentioned, many SDVs as electric vehicles contribute to more sustainable mobility. By integrating electric drives, the CO₂ footprint is reduced and the dependence on fossil fuels is decreased. This leads to an improved environmental balance in the transport sector in the long term. Software-Defined Vehicles also have the advantage that the configuration of a vehicle can be changed and improved even after delivery through software updates. This makes it possible to keep vehicles in the field up to date and optimize them continuously without the need for physical interventions. In addition, services can be activated flexibly and temporarily. They aim to meet the needs of the users and provide a personalized driving experience.

However, this approach requires close cooperation between car manufacturers (OEMs) and tier-1 suppliers. This is to ensure the continuous integration and management of the software updates. This challenge underlines the need for strong coordination and the exchange of information. This is to ensure the compatibility and safety of the systems and enable a seamless driving experience.

Product line development creates the technological basis

The architecture of SDV is organized into four levels, which together form a highly integrated and modular system. At the top are user applications, such as infotainment systems, which provide a direct interface to the users. Below this are the instrumentation systems, which include Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that operate autonomously and increase safety. The heart of the vehicle is the embedded operating system. It controls the various components and ensures their smooth interaction. The foundation of the architecture is formed by the hardware, which encompasses all physical components such as sensors and control units. This hierarchical structure allows for efficient, flexible, and scalable development and maintenance of vehicle functions.

Product line development, also known as Product Line Engineering (PLE), plays a central role in the strategic direction of SDV development. PLE focuses on the creation of a product family that is based on a common platform. This allows for the utilization of synergies and significantly shortened development times. This methodical approach enables a quick response to (new) market requirements while preserving the consistency and quality of the product architecture. PLE makes complexity manageable and facilitates the transition to software-controlled production processes. This is done in conjunction with measures such as standardization of components and modularization of systems. It is particularly advantageous when introducing new technologies such as autonomous driving functions. PLE enables efficient reuse of software and hardware components, thus shortening innovation cycles. This is true for both automakers and tier one suppliers.

The application of product line development in the development of SDV requires close collaboration between different departments such as

• Software development,

• Electrical engineering and

• Vehicle design

. This interdisciplinary approach is crucial for the successful implementation of the complex systems used in SDV. The integration of feedback loops and agile development practices into the PLE process also promotes continuous improvement and adaptation of vehicle platforms to changing market requirements and technological advances.

Connected Vehicles and Smart Cities

SDVs are a crucial part of the ecosystem of connected vehicles and smart cities. They contribute to increasing the efficiency of urban services and promoting smooth traffic flow. Integration into smart city infrastructures allows for improved navigation, energy management, and ultimately, a higher quality of life in urban areas.

Smart Cars, also known as Connected Cars, play a central role in the vision of the Smart City - a city that is made more efficient, sustainable and livable through the integration of digital technologies. These connected vehicles are connected to the internet and are equipped with a multitude of sensors that allow them to collect and share data in real time. They communicate not only with each other, but also with urban infrastructure such as traffic light systems, parking management and other road users. This connectivity enables a wide range of applications that increase traffic safety, reduce traffic jams and contribute to more efficient energy management.

In Smart Cities, Connected Cars (or autonomously driving delivery vehicles) can use real-time traffic information, for example, to calculate the fastest route and thus not only shorten the travel time for individuals, but also reduce overall traffic volume. In addition, they can receive information about available parking spaces, which simplifies the search for a parking space and avoids unnecessary driving. This leads to a reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions, which in turn improves urban air quality. Furthermore, Connected Cars enable innovative services such as carsharing and ridehailing, which contribute to reducing vehicle density in cities.

The integration of smart cars into the concept of the smart city thus constitutes an important building block for sustainable urban mobility. It supports the goals of the smart city by

• increasing traffic efficiency,

• minimizing environmental impact and

• improving the quality of life for city dwellers.

. By using data and connecting vehicles and infrastructure, an intelligent, flexible and connected traffic area is created. This lays the foundation for the city of the future.

Big Data

Smart Cities und Privatsphäre – Datenschutzrisiken in einer hypervernetzten Welt

Software-Defined Vehicles as a pioneer for a new mobility.

The international business consultancy Deloitte assumes that Software-Defined Vehicles will drive the development of the automotive industry in the next five to ten years. SDVs represent a profound change in the automotive industry, promising a new level of safety, efficiency, and user comfort. By continuously evolving and adapting to new requirements, they offer the potential for a sustainable, flexible, and customer-oriented future of mobility.

The integration of SDVs into the concept of connected vehicles and smart cities also opens up new business opportunities and markets. The industry faces exciting challenges and opportunities in shaping forward-looking technologies that continuously extend the boundaries of what is possible with vehicles. But new opportunities and new challenges also require new approaches in engineering. Product Line Engineering is one of the key elements on the path to the mobility of the future.

*Robert Hellebrand works at Pure Variants from PTC as Director Solution Engineering and leads a team of Solutions Engineers.

This article was first published on our sisterbrand 'Industry of Things' (German Edition) , Vogel Communications Group