Empowering platform ownership in the Software-Defined Vehicle era
As the automotive industry undergoes a seismic shift, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are transitioning from vehicle assemblers to software platform developers. This evolution requires software platforms that are not only scalable and resilient but also built on a foundation of absolute trust
In an episode of the "Empowering Tomorrow's Automotive Software" podcast, Nigel Tracey, Head of RTA Solutions at ETAS, joined host Subhash Scindia to discuss how ETAS is supporting OEMs in regaining control of their software stacks. You can hear the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts (e.g., Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, etc.). Here are some of the key topics Nigel and Subhash discuss.
Why platform control matters now
While automotive platforms have existed for decades – standardized by initiatives like AUTOSAR Classic – the demand for software-defined vehicles has changed the landscape. Nigel highlights two primary drivers for this change:
- Updateability: Consumers now expect vehicle features to be enhanced and updated over the entire lifetime of ownership.
- Centralized architectures: To manage the complexity of dozens of independent ECUs, OEMs are moving toward powerful, centralized high-performance computers that act as a decision-making layer for the vehicle.
Safety and security
In the automotive world, software foundations must serve as a "trust anchor.” In the discussion, Nigel emphasizes that safety and security are inseparable; a security vulnerability that allows software to be changed can invalidate the entire safety argumentation of a vehicle. In addition, robust security protects the OEM's future business models, ensuring that over-the-air updates and new features cannot be bypassed or obtained through black markets.
Scalability
A primary challenge in modern automotive design is the vast amount of varying hardware within a single vehicle. To address this, ETAS developed the RTA-CAR product suite, a single, scalable family of software designed to function across the entire ECU spectrum. This scalability is achieved through a unique "code-generated" approach that allows the platform to adapt to the specific requirements of any given device:
Eliminating "hidden" costs
By generating code based on specific design properties, the system ensures you only use the CPU cycles, RAM, and ROM necessary for your configuration. This efficiency can prevent the need to move to a more expensive chip variant, potentially saving manufacturers significant hardware costs at high production volumes.
Extreme versatility
Because the solution is highly configurable, it effectively functions on everything from simple "under the hood" components, such as a wiper controller with only 2 KB of RAM, to the most advanced multicore microprocessors featuring 18 cores and 16 MB of flash.
A consistent toolchain
Using one product line across all domains, from braking and engine control to centralized decision-making layers, allows OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to maintain a consistent development environment and build pipeline for thousands of projects.
Nigel goes on to explain that ETAS's philosophy is rooted in flexibility. Whether an OEM needs individual "puzzle pieces" to integrate into their own internal stack or a complete, end-to-end functional platform, ETAS adapts its support and business models to fit the customer's specific strategy.
By distributing technical expertise into regional "hubs," ETAS ensures that experts are available in the same time zone and language as the customer to meet the increasingly tight lifecycles of modern vehicle projects.
With the SDV era accelerating, the manufacturers who establish secure, scalable, and adaptable software foundations, grounded in proven standards like AUTOSAR Classic, will be positioned to lead. ETAS continues to partner closely with OEMs on this journey, helping them transform their platforms and their business models for the road ahead.
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