SuperTest – Helping the next generation of intelligent connected cars realize AI edge computing

Shanghai-based Zebra Networks is a joint venture between China’s Alibaba Group and SAIC Motor Corp. to develop and support connected car operating systems called Cyber ​​OS and Drive OS. Cyber ​​OS is designed for smart cockpits , while Drive OS is for smart driving . These operating systems facilitate human-centric features such as augmented reality (AR) navigation, human-machine interaction , and internet connectivity, while also supporting vehicle-related features such as engine start, vehicle diagnostics, lighting, and seat adjustment. Given the safety-critical nature of many artificial intelligence ( AI )-based applications , it was particularly important for Zebra to ensure that its toolchain for developing Zebra platform applications complies with the ISO 26262 functional safety standard. To validate the GCC cross-compiler used , Zebra selected Solid Sands’ SuperTest compiler test and verification suite.

Zebra’s advanced AI solutions are designed to run on Horizon Robotics ’ AArch64 64-bit ARM-based JOURNEYTM 5 hardware platform, which is itself designed to certification standards including ISO 26262 Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL) B. Zebra leverages the open source GCC 9.3 cross compiler to compile C/C++ source code into AArch64 object files and link them into AArch64 executables and libraries. Running SuperTest monthly immediately identifies regression issues associated with the latest GCC compiler and library versions, ensuring that Zebra’s use of the compiler continues to meet ISO 26262 functional safety requirements.

If the SuperTest test fails, indicating that there may be potential problems with the cross-compiler, Zebra will issue coding constraints so that the software development team can avoid using C language structures that may endanger the security of their software applications. This process also enables the team to have a deeper understanding of the compiler in a specific application scenario.

"Running SuperTest made us realize that many of the GCC -W warning switches would affect whether the syntax would compile to the end. It also motivated us to standardize on C/C++ syntax in our programming, using standard POSIX syntax and avoiding the less strictly defined GNU extensions."

Advanced driver assistance systems , augmented reality navigation, and autonomous driving place high demands on software latency, so Zebra uses compiler optimization extensively. Fortunately, one of the advantages of SuperTest is that it can achieve maximum source code coverage for a wide range of optimizers.

Zebra used SuperTest to perform ISO 26262-compliant compiler safety qualification for GCC 8.6 as part of its major functional safety certification project to ensure that its software meets the highest safety standards to provide the next generation of driving experience. This experience combines Internet connectivity, artificial intelligence and edge computing technologies to optimize and humanize the driving process, automatically learn and adapt to the driver's emotions and preferences, and seamlessly provide context- and location-based services.