Shifting Gears: Navigating Changes in the Software–Defined Vehicles Era

The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation with the emergence of Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs). In this new era, the functionalities and features of vehicles are increasingly dictated by software, much like the smartphones we use daily. Consumers now expect their vehicles to offer the same level of convenience and connectivity, including access to the latest updates and features without needing to visit a dealership.

Electronic Control Units (ECUs) are central to the development of SDVs. These units manage everything from car engines to infotainment systems. This shift is reflected in the market for automotive ECUs, which is projected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%. The market was valued at $98.11 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $151 billion by 2030.

However, the growing complexity of ECUs, driven by an increasing number of driver assistance systems and autonomous driving functions, presents new challenges.  Currently, performing legally required software updates in-person costs Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) around half a billion dollars annually, according to ABI Research.

As the demand for reliable validation and testing increases, traditional methods often fall short, primarily because software development remains tightly coupled with hardware development. This complexity necessitates innovative approaches to testing ECUs.

One promising solution is virtualization, which leverages virtual ECUs (vECUs) to accelerate both hardware and software development. vECU is a sophisticated software-based replica of a physical ECU that allows engineers to simulate a controlled environment for their testing needs. Utilizing vECU, engineers can easily replicate various scenarios, simulating timing and triggering events accurately. This flexibility helps them to monitor how the software responds to different situations, including preemption and interruptions that can occur within the operating system. By significantly shortening product timelines from years to mere months, vECUs enable automotive companies to deliver new technologies rapidly.

Hitting the Road Faster with FPT

At FPT, our mission is to drive the advancement of software-defined vehicles and shape the future of mobility through innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, reliability, and performance. We are taking ECU virtualization to new heights - covering from Level 1 to Level 4 and tailored to fit the unique needs of various ECU domains and use cases, helping automakers innovate faster and stay ahead of market demands without relying on hardware development. With almost 20 years of experience and a vast talent pool, FPT has been teaming up with automakers and chip vendors to develop virtual ECUs that offers:

• Faster Development: Achieve up to 40% quicker development cycles.
• AUTOSAR Compliance: Ensure adherence to critical industry standards.
• Rapid Updates: Deploy updates in months, instead of years.

In episode 6 of our "Talk to Experts" series, Mr. Trương Tấn Thịnh, Senior AUTOSAR Expert of FPT Automotive at FPT Corporation discusses how vECUs are transforming the automotive landscape.

In this episode, he will be sharing his expertise on the following topics: 

• Comprehensive Testing Scenarios: How vECUs facilitate realistic and effective testing.
• Strategic Direction for AUTOSAR Services: FPT’s vision for advancing intelligent vehicle technology.

Click here to watch the full episode and discover the impact of vECUs on the future of intelligent driving: