At the 28th Automotive Electronics Congress, Ray Cornyn from NXP spoke about the development of software-defined vehicles. Under the motto "The future of mobility", he revealed the opportunities and challenges that this technology holds for the automotive industry.
What are software-defined vehicles (SDVs)?
Software-defined vehicles (SDVs) are cars whose functionalities can be expanded and improved through software updates. Ray Cornyn from NXP explained: "The first day you get your new car, it will have the lowest functionality it will ever have. Over time, you'll add personalisation and new features and get a better vehicle." These continuous updates allow for constant improvement of the vehicle's systems and provide owners with an always up-to-date and personalised driving experience.
SDVs open up new opportunities for the automotive industry by enabling flexible customisation and creating additional revenue streams through the sale of new applications. Vehicles can not only be kept up to date, but also equipped with advanced safety and comfort features.
Keynote from Ray Cornyn, NXP, at the 28th Automobil-Elektronik Kongress
What is the current reality of SDVs?
According to Ray Cornyn, software-defined vehicles (SDVs) are currently both a bit of hype and a reality. Some major US electric vehicle manufacturers have already implemented principles of SDVs, but mostly in the form of infotainment upgrades. "Some upgrades, like YouTube in the infotainment system or Angry Birds, are nice, but not what was originally expected," Cornyn explained. The current reality is that many of the features implemented focus on entertainment and convenience, while the deeper, revolutionary aspects of SDV technology are not yet fully developed.
One key aspect that is missing in the current phase is the comprehensive integration and utilisation of the numerous data that modern vehicles generate. Existing vehicle architectures are often not designed to utilise or share this data efficiently.
This leads to slow development and limited opportunities for innovation. Nevertheless, progress is promising and points to a future in which SDVs are improved not only through software updates, but also through enhanced safety, driving and autonomous functions. The industry is working hard to realise this vision and create the technological basis for a more comprehensive exploitation of SDV potential.
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What are the benefits of SDVs for consumers and the industry?
For consumers, SDV technology means that their car gets better over time and they can add new features. Cornyn added: "The data available in vehicles is huge and valuable both for improving vehicles and for the industry." New revenue streams are opening up for the industry through the sale of additional applications and features long after the vehicle has been produced. This additional monetisation creates a sustainable business model and encourages continuous innovation. Furthermore, by utilising the data generated in the vehicles, manufacturers can develop new services and improve vehicle performance and customer satisfaction. Comprehensively analysing this data enables companies to proactively respond to technical issues and provide drivers with a safer, more efficient driving experience.
Software-defined vehicles, are they hype or reality? I think it's a bit of both.
What are the challenges of implementing SDVs?
One of the biggest challenges in implementing software-defined vehicles (SDVs) is integrating new features into existing vehicle architectures. Ray Cornyn explained that modern vehicles have up to 120 electronic control units (ECUs), which makes the integration of new software extremely complex. "The automotive industry needs to get better and faster at continuously integrating and delivering software updates."
In addition, the existing hardware architecture makes it difficult to access to the valuable data in the vehicle that is crucial for the further development of functions and services. It is necessary to develop new vehicle architectures that enable more efficient use and transfer of this data. use and transfer of this data. Furthermore, protecting the collected data from unauthorised access is a significant challenge. The automotive industry must also find ways to increase increase consumer acceptance of regular software updates to ensure the continuous continuous improvement of vehicles.
What does the future hold for SDVs?
The future of software-defined vehicles (SDVs) lies in the centralisation of centralisation of functions and the use of software-defined networking. networking. ‘The automotive industry is moving towards greater integration integration of functions into larger silicon chips,’ said Ray Cornyn. This development allows for more efficient use of resources and easier implementation of new functions.
Cornyn emphasised the importance of partnerships and collaborations, to set standards and increase efficiency in the industry. Through joint efforts, manufacturers and technology technology companies can overcome the complexity of integration and bring bring innovative solutions to market faster. Centralisation also facilitates the continuous provision of software software updates, resulting in improved vehicle performance and higher customer satisfaction. Overall, the future of SDVs offers exciting opportunities for a profound transformation of the automotive automotive industry.
One of the biggest challenges is to access and utilise the data that is available in the vehicle.
What role does NXP play in the development of SDVs?
NXP, formed from the merger of Philips Semiconductor and Motorola Semiconductor, is currently the largest supplier of microprocessors to the automotive industry. Cornyn emphasised the importance of working with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to drive the development of SDVs. ‘Development in the software-defined vehicle market is critical to our business and our future,’ said Cornyn.
The most important questions and answers from Ray Cornyn's keynote
What is a software-defined vehicle (SDV)?
An SDV is a vehicle whose functions can be expanded and improved through software updates.
What are the benefits of SDVs for consumers?
Consumers can improve and personalise their vehicle over time by adding new features.
Why are SDVs important for the automotive industry?
SDVs offer the industry new revenue streams through the sale of additional applications and features.
What are the biggest challenges in implementing SDVs?
The integration of new software into existing vehicle architectures and the complexity of ECUs are major challenges.
What does the future of SDVs look like?
The future lies in the centralisation of functions and the use of Software Defined Networking for better integration and use of vehicle data.
About Ray Cornyn
Ray Cornyn is Senior Vice President and General Manager of Automotive Processors at NXP and leads one of the industry's longest running and most successful MPU/MCU portfolios. Ray has an extensive background in both technical and business roles. He originally started his career at Motorola Semiconductors in the UK as a field applications engineer for microcontroller and microprocessor products before moving into business roles supporting the first 32-bit automotive MCU product lines. Today, Ray lives in Austin and is responsible for managing some of NXP's newest automotive products. His focus is specifically on increasing functionality, safety and quality for today's complex automotive systems.