Pioneering the Smart Mobility Platform - Software Defined Vehicle (SDV)

The auto industry has evolved significantly over the years, with software-defined vehicles leading the way in advancing technology. With the ACES technology approach, vehicles are becoming more autonomous, connected, electrified, and shared than ever before, promising fully automated features in the future.

Over the past many years, the auto industry has taken a huge leap with technology transformations, one of the hits being advancing hardware to software-defined vehicles.

We have had vehicles with technologies that were fully mechanicallydriven-carburetor systems,and mechanical brakes. Later, got upgraded to a semi-mechanically driven, ECU-enabledsystem likeMulti-Point Fuel Injector (MPFi)and chassis designed withdrive-by-wire systems.

Now with the ACES technology approach – Autonomous, Connected, Electrification, and Shared Mobility, we’ve reacheda stage where technologies have evolved rapidly, replacinghardware system with software-oriented systemssupport. This has given a higher capability to outreach and introduce state-of-the-art technologies into vehicles,with promisingfully automated features in the coming futurethat will be adopted easily and relied upon.

Today, Software Defined Vehicleshave allowed vehicles to become much more smarter and versatile, capable enough to automatically:

• Gather pieces of informationthroughadvancedsensors.
• Updateon a real-timebasisthrough next-gen cloud connectivity.
• Evaluate throughmachine learning and artificial intelligence.
• React accordingly, withwarnings (user interface) and assistance.

Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs)

SDV technology has beenplayingthe backbone tobuildthe future of the smart mobility ecosystem. Itconceptualizesthe ACES roadmap, prioritizing saving the environment with zero carbon footprint and no moredependency on fossil fuels.

The SDVsaresoftware-orientedsystems in the vehiclewithelectric and electronic architecture (EEA).

In the coming future, through continuous optimization, this technology willnarrow down the dependenceonvehicle mechanical parts which has already disrupted the auto ecosystem throughthe electric vehicles trend influencingOriginal Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)toactively participate in launching new EV products replacingInternal Combustion Engines.

This not only has given more space and opportunitiesfor EEA to add/upgrade new in-vehiclesoftware-defined technologies but has alsowidened the technology opportunitiesfor the players across the value chain and the cross-functioning technology leadersand join hands to bring the best of tech innovations into the mobility space.

SDV implementation: This software-centric evolution has redefined the mobility space. The industry has continuously improvisedto bringintelligent cutting-edge technology covering minute attention to the detail in and around the vehicle. The value chain has been working to boost SDV architectures.Today, the transformation from ECU commandingindividual vehicle domainhas been optimizedto zonal-based controlling architecturesto introduce technologies with:

• Personalized User-Experience:
• Choosing Cameras to conveniently park. (Mirror Cameras – Side/Rear, Bird’s Eye View)
• Touch Screen on the doors to feature multi-functions – setting seat, activating infotainment.
• Panoramic Sunrooffeatures intelligent electric glare protection.
• Smart Cluster – Adjusting cluster themes as per your design preference – Digital/Semi/Analog.
• Locking/Unlocking Vehicle – Through RFID Key, Touch Sensitive, App-based remote, vehicle remote, multi-users unlocking.
• Driving Modes – Customizing driving mode as per your requirement – Throttle/ Steering/ Regen braking response
• Connected Features: Use the connected app to control your vehicle, this could be done through a phone, smartwatch, and smart home connect.
• Autonomous Driving (AD)Features: Manually activating/deactivating AD features as per driving needs and environment selection.
• Infotainment Applications – Setting Dashboard Applications per your daily driving needs.

• Future technology upgrades:

- Wireless Vehicle Charging System,

- Fully Digital Cockpit, Augmented Reality, and 8K rear passenger infotainment screen

- L3/L4 Automation by involving Hi-Def camera with Radar and Lidar cameras,

- 4G to 5G module system for faster connectivity,

SDV hasalready set its footprint through many OEMs andhas brought immense valueacross the whole supply chain,creating new journeys and roadmaps with a software-centric approach.

It has played a core bridge to driving and revolutionizing the present advanced technology trends - connected vehicles, virtual cockpits, and Advanced Driving Assistance Systems. And is now trusted by every auto player to develop their future mobility platforms with next-gen technologies, making vehicles even smarter.

Author: John Martin, Sr. Analyst - Smart Mobility Practice, Industry Intelligence Group, CMR