The automotive industry is changing: electrified powertrains, connected and autonomous functions, and new car manufacturers. Consumers benefit from more functions in the vehicles. Which are continuously improved over its lifetime. For automakers, this means they must have the technology, resources, and skills to economically bring these functionalities into the vehicle. And also to maintain a relationship with the vehicle owner throughout the life of their car.
The term “software-defined vehicle” describes a vehicle whose numerous important properties and functions are made possible by the software. This change results from the evolution of the automobile from a hardware-based, functional commodity to a software-centric user experience godlike productions. In addition to unlocking new safety, comfort, and convenience features, the software-defined vehicle has several advantages over its hardware-defined predecessor while offering superior performance.
Future generations of software-defined vehicles will continue to improve safety features while providing more autonomy, functional and safety-related software updates, and a software platform for connected services, such as g. infotainment.
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Technology overview of the software-defining features
With vehicles, things are more complicated than with computers or smartphones. On the one hand, everything in the car has to be designed for safety, on the other hand, users buy a new smartphone every two to three years – software in vehicles, on the other hand, has to have a service life of ten to 15 years. Various regional rules and regulations also apply to vehicles. A vehicle is subject to different registration requirements depending on the country in which it is driven.
Three main categories are driving automakers to use more sensors:
- emissions
- driving behaviour on the road
- passenger experience
These areas define the application of the sensors and provide insight into the emerging software control.
Emission output
After the initial oil, coolant, and fuel measurements, US state emissions regulations forced automakers to upgrade their sensor technology to monitor combustion performance, resulting in emissions as a new metric. Engineers developed manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensors to control engine performance and limit emissions. MAP sensors measure boost pressure, which the engine control unit uses to calculate air density and mass flow. The combination of these parameters enables automatic fuel metering control to maximize combustion. You can even get the best aesthetic car modifications without worrying about anything now.
MEMS sensors, which were new at the time and were developed for engine control by measuring pressure, quickly spread to all vehicle components. Two interlinked factors make MEMS sensors suitable for motor control: the integration of electronic intelligence with mechanically measured parameters and the small space required by the sensors in the vehicle. The combination of these two factors provides an economical, high-performance solution for data acquisition and software control. Improving engine performance, reducing emissions, increasing safety and increasing comfort, software-controlled combustion, and emission optimization is becoming increasingly important.
Improved road handling (chassis)
In addition to the benefits for the performance of the drive train, the sensors for measuring the driving performance on the chassis have also evolved. At this point, the characteristics historically linked to the autonomy of the vehicle come into play. Examples of these applications are automatic braking systems (ABS), vehicle noise suppression, traction control, and automatic parking. Sensors also measure vibration data for stability control and tire pressure on the wheels to help prevent a flat tire. Using the data collected, the software can adjust the vehicle’s performance to reduce excessive vibration and prevent tire fatigue without requiring driver intervention.
It is primarily about safety, but also about more pleasant driving behavior and a more comfortable driving experience. Engineers can use this data to design a more stable body structure, optimize tire spacing and positions to improve balance and grip, and shorten braking power by improving ABS performance in normal driving habits.
Just as cruise control passively adjusts to changes in road surface gradient or other driving conditions, the software-controlled operation provides greater safety through improved handling, thereby doubling the value of this approach.
Passenger experience (interior and exterior)
The third area where sensors are increasingly being used is the interior and exterior, providing passengers with an enhanced experience of comfort, convenience, and safety. With the advent of smartphones and connected technology, drivers have become users of connected interfaces and adaptable technology in their vehicles. As safety is paramount in the automotive industry, MEMS sensors have improved deployment patterns and timing of front and side airbags. You can also more accurately predict when headlights need to be activated as light conditions change.
In terms of comfort, engineers can use the data from the sensors to remember the driver’s preferences and settings, e.g. B. the seat temperature and orientation in the cabin. In addition, sensors can help with navigation, while driver preferences can dictate software control preferences via the user interface. Finally, with more external data, the central computer can detect when a vehicle is going off course due to driver fatigue or other circumstances. This feature significantly increases safety as it secures the operation of the vehicle and significantly reduces human error.
Conclusion
As electric vehicles become more widespread, software-defined functions will become even more integrated into software-enabled vehicles. They will lead to improvements in emissions, on-road performance. And driving experience, and will have a positive impact on vehicle comfort and safety. When designers use local MCUs and MPUs for real-time processing of massive amounts of sensor data, they can leverage existing processing infrastructure and set the stage for software-defined vehicles. In doing so, they will advance the further development of autonomous vehicles. In near future, you can see electric vehicles more in common. Than petrol vehicles as concern for the environment is increasing.
Today the purpose is different. All automakers want the same thing. To add value over the lifetime of the vehicle and be profitable at the same time. Aside from service, vehicle owners today only establish a relationship with an automobile manufacturer. When they want to buy a new car. Automakers are therefore looking for ways to be profitable. When a customer desires a new feature or service in their vehicle.
