Software-defined vehicle: Definition, components, benefits

What is a software-defined vehicle (SDV)?

A software-defined vehicle uses software to manage its operations and add features rather than relying on a mechanical framework.

Some characteristics of software-defined vehicles include:

Software-centric. SDVs prioritise software over hardware to enable vehicle functionality.
Upgradable. SDVs can be modified via over-the-air updates (OTA).
Centralised architecture. SDVs use a centralised architecture to update the vehicle and integrate new applications.
Digital interaction. SDVs can interact with other digital entities.

SDVs are the foundation for emerging automotive advancements, including autonomous and connected cars.

Software-defined vehicles are very similar to connected vehicles. The only difference is that connected cars have slightly different use cases, as they are designed to interact and interface with their surroundings.

SDCs are integral for vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, a two-way information flow between the car and its surroundings. With SDVs, V2X technology is much easier to implement. The integration of vehicle systems that SDVs provide via software stacks and standards-based communication methods will be a hub for V2X.

Software-defined vehicle architecture

A software-defined vehicle's software and hardware architecture tends to be incredibly complex. It extends beyond the physical vehicle to include the backend systems and infrastructure that support it. This architecture consists of the following:

Telecom equipment and connectivity to enable real-time data exchange between the car and the cloud
Backend systems that store vehicle data, manage software updates and provide critical backup capabilities
Surrounding infrastructure that interacts with the vehicle to give data or functionality

User applications

The user applications layer includes software and services designed to interact directly with drivers and passengers, creating a personalised connected driving experience. These applications can range from intuitive infotainment systems that deliver real-time information, music and navigation to advanced vehicle controls that allow for remote management of vehicle settings (like seat positioning, climate control and lighting).

Increasingly, digital cockpits and AI-driven interfaces are becoming central to the user experience, offering intuitive voice commands, advanced gesture recognition and predictive services based on user behaviour.

Instrumentation

The instrumentation layer enhances a vehicle's safety, efficiency and overall performance, often without the driver’s direct interaction. This layer includes systems like Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which help automate, assist and enhance the driver's experience through features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance and collision detection.

This layer also contains more advanced controllers, such as those managing energy-efficient driving, stability control, and autonomous driving systems. These systems use complex algorithms and sensors to interpret data in real-time, ensuring the vehicle can adapt to its environment and respond to various driving conditions autonomously or with minimal input.

Embedded OS

The embedded operating system (OS) is the heart of a software-defined vehicle. It provides the foundation for managing all vehicle functions and ensuring everything runs smoothly and securely.

Built on microkernel architecture, the embedded OS allows for modular software management. It enables seamless updates and bug fixes and adds new features without disrupting the vehicle's core functions. The OS manages everything from vehicle control systems, such as braking and acceleration, to user interface responsiveness and security protocols.

A sophisticated embedded OS also handles critical real-time functions, ensuring the safety and performance of complex systems like ADAS, infotainment and autonomous navigation. As SDVs evolve, the embedded OS serves as the bridge between hardware capabilities and software innovation.

Hardware

While SDVs are software-centric, the hardware layer provides the physical infrastructure that enables the vehicle to operate. This includes a wide range of components that work together to support the vehicle's performance, safety and connectivity:

Powertrain components: The engine, transmission and other systems provide propulsion and energy management for the vehicle. They often work with software to optimise fuel efficiency or manage power in electric cars.
Sensors and ECUs: Sensors, such as cameras, radar and LiDAR, provide essential real-time data for the SDV's safety, navigation and autonomous driving functions. These sensors feed into the electronic control units (ECUs), which interpret this data and make real-time decisions to manage the vehicle's various systems (e.g., braking, steering, and acceleration). ECUs enable smart features like collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control and intelligent parking.
Vehicle body components: The vehicle’s chassis, suspension, and structural components protect critical systems while ensuring stability and control. In SDVs, these systems are increasingly connected to the software layer, enabling real-time performance adjustments based on sensor input and external conditions, improving ride quality, safety, and handling.

Benefits of software-defined vehicles

Software-defined vehicles stand poised to transform the automotive industry significantly, and the technologies empowering this advancement offer exciting benefits, such as:

Enhanced performance and efficiency. The software can constantly monitor engine parameters, improve fuel or battery pack efficiency and optimise driving dynamics.
Improved safety. Anti-collision systems and driver assistance can react faster in critical situations, leading to safer roads.
Evolving capabilities. New vehicle features and functionalities can be downloaded and installed OTA, updating the car through software updates.
Personalised experience. Software can tailor the driving experience to individual preferences, including customised dashboards, ambient lighting and in-car infotainment for drivers or passengers.
Predictive maintenance: Software can monitor vehicle health and predict potential issues before they become major problems, saving the vehicle owner time and money.
Increased connectivity. Connectivity between the vehicle and smartphone allows drivers and passengers to interact with their cars in new ways, such as onboard infotainment systems.

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Challenges of software-defined vehicles

Shifting to software-defined vehicles is a complex process that requires careful planning across multiple industry stakeholders. While SDVs represent a leap forward in the automotive industry, many challenges must be overcome to ensure this technology's safe, secure, and trusted future.

Software complexity. The sheer quantity of code needed to manage an SDV is immense, increasing the risk of bugs and vulnerabilities.
Cybersecurity threats. Robust cybersecurity measures are essential to protect vehicles from cyber-attacks.
Data privacy concerns. The vast amount of data collected by SDVs raises privacy concerns. Clear regulations and robust data security practices are needed to ensure user trust.
Modular hardware and software. Current vehicle hardware is tightly coupled to the software it enables. A modular approach allows software applications to function more independently.
Technical expertise gap. The automotive industry must attract and develop a new breed of talent with software development, cybersecurity and data management expertise.

Software-defined vehicles (SDVs) represent the future of mobility. By integrating new features, improving safety, and enhancing connectivity, SDVs will pave the way for smarter, more efficient automotive technology solutions.