Continental's In-Vehicle Computing Platform: Virtualized Development

As automotive technology is changing with each passing day, software-defined vehicles (SDVs) are leading a profound transformation in the automotive industry, not only giving vehicles unprecedented functionality and intelligence, but also paving the way for the future development of autonomous driving and intelligent transportation systems.

Behind this transformation, cloud-based high-performance computing (HPC) virtualization technology plays a pivotal role in accelerating the SDV development process.

01

The concept of software-defined cars is centered around using software to control the various functions of a car, rather than traditional hardware configuration, thus decoupling software and hardware.

This not only enables the car to flexibly and quickly upgrade functions and iterate software throughout its entire life cycle, but also promotes the deep integration of cars as part of the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem, greatly promoting system integration and ecosystem expansion.

● Cloud virtualization: an accelerator for SDV development

Virtualization technology, as a key driving force for SDV development, breaks the dependence of software development on hardware entities and greatly shortens the development cycle.

Developers can start developing and testing software without waiting for physical hardware, which brings significant advantages in the following aspects:

◎ Accelerate the development process: Without hardware restrictions, software development can proceed first, greatly shortening the project cycle.

◎ Early detection and resolution of problems: The virtual environment helps identify and correct software defects in the early stages of development, effectively controlling the costs and risks of later repairs.

◎ Efficient use of resources: reducing the need for physical hardware prototypes and lowering the economic burden of development and testing.

As virtualization deepens, the ultimate goal is the emergence of virtualized vehicles.

02

In order to maximize the potential of virtualization technology, Continental launched the CAEdge framework.

This cloud-based comprehensive development platform, relying on AWS cloud services, fully supports virtualization and simulation, and can simulate various electronic control units (ECUs) such as AUTOSAR Classic, AUTOSAR Adaptive, QNX, Linux and Android.

Its core functions include:

● Virtual ECU and network configuration: ensure that the virtual environment is highly consistent with the physical deployment.

● Third-party tool compatibility: facilitates the integration of third-party simulation and virtualization tools.

● Seamless development and testing link: supports smooth transition from virtual to actual testing.

Virtualization exploration of digital twins and smart cockpits

As an advanced application of virtualization technology, digital twin technology creates accurate virtual models of physical entities. Especially in the field of smart cockpits, it combines virtual high-performance computing (vHPC) and virtual ECU (vECU) to achieve full-range virtual testing of cockpit systems, greatly enhancing development efficiency and reducing dependence on physical hardware.

In the development practice of SDV, the application of virtualization technology not only accelerates the development process, but also significantly improves the quality and efficiency of software and hardware integration. In the future, this technology will continue to promote innovation in the automotive industry, making the automotive product development cycle shorter, the cost lower, and the functionality stronger.

Cloud-based HPC virtualization technology is undoubtedly a key force driving the development of the next generation of intelligent transportation and autonomous driving. It is reshaping the traditional boundaries of automotive research and development, allowing future smart cars to enter the market at a faster pace and with higher efficiency, bringing users a richer and more satisfying driving experience.

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