ETAS discusses how software-defined vehicles (SDVs) are transforming measurement and calibration processes for automakers, emphasizing the challenges and integration required in this new landscape.
Key Points:
-
Transition to Software-Defined Vehicles:
- SDVs combine multiple electronic control units (ECUs) into centralized systems, leading to increased complexity and the need for cross-domain collaboration.
- Automotive engineers must now be proficient in adjacent domains like powertrain, steering, and braking.
-
Shift-Left Testing:
- Early integration of measurement and calibration into the software development cycle is critical for effective SDV validation.
- This approach requires engineers to have a broader knowledge base and collaborative tools across different teams.
-
Challenges with Centralized Architectures:
- Engineers face the complexities of interfacing multiple ECUs and ensuring synchronized measurement across diverse platforms.
- Disconnected tools and workflows hinder efficiency, necessitating a unified solution for calibration processes.
-
ETAS Solutions:
- ETAS introduces tools like the MC Gateway, which offers calibration engineers consistency across different architectures, and the EHANDBOOK for streamlined documentation.
- These solutions facilitate a shift towards a more cohesive and integrated workflow.
-
Continuous Calibration Lifecycle:
- Calibration is evolving from a one-time activity to a continuous process requiring frequent validation and adaptability with over-the-air updates.
- Organizations need robust versioning and traceability processes for effective data management.
-
Automation and AI:
- Automation and AI are enhancing efficiency in calibration tasks, with the potential to significantly improve productivity in both mature and less mature automated workflows.
- Virtualization is also playing a role in earlier development assessments.
-
Future Outlook:
- The automotive industry is expected to see an even greater shift towards software-centric, cross-domain, and continuous measurement and calibration processes.
- The integration of new technologies and standardized workflows will redefine the measurement landscape over the next five years.
Conclusion:
The transition toward software-defined vehicles necessitates a fundamental reorganization of measurement and calibration strategies, requiring a collaboration-driven environment that embraces automation, AI, and continuous improvement throughout the vehicle lifecycle. ETAS is at the forefront of facilitating this shift through innovative tools and resources.
