Software-defined vehicles (SDV) and new E/E architectures place high demands on diagnostics, vehicle access and data management. The need for software updates is increasing, as is the amount of data that needs to be transferred.
Particularly in time-critical phases of the vehicle life cycle, especially in production, reading and flashing large volumes of data poses a technical and logistical challenge. In addition to pure programming speed, reliability plays a key role here. In addition, different vehicle types – from mid-range vehicles to SUVs – are often produced on the production line in random rotation. In the near future, around 50 GB of data per vehicle type and model series will have to be stored accordingly. Conventional methods are often too slow and unreliable here.
The Smart Vehicle Interface Softing SVI is a high-performance platform for modern ECU programming with continuous data supply. The solution combines the advantages of the high-speed wireless connection of a smart device with the classic diagnostic functions of a high-end vehicle communication interface (VCI) and thus enables fast, reliable and flexible flash programming of large amounts of data.
Cost savings by bundling several functions in just one device
Increased efficiency and accelerated programming processes thanks to controlled gigabit flashing
Scalability thanks to decentralized process sequences
Great freedom for integration into the process and system landscape
Challenges
- Growing software complexity due to new vehicle architectures and software-defined vehicles (SDV)
- Enormous increase in data volume and complex handling of large amounts of data
- Ensuring regular software updates to fix bugs and security vulnerabilities and continuously improve system performance
- Increasing complexity and frequency of software integrations
- Significantly more complex operations for repairing software-defined vehicles
Solution
- The combination of the high-speed wireless connection of a smart device with the diagnostic functions of a high-end VCI enables the flexible exchange of enormous amounts of data
- With CAN/FD, Ethernet and a robust solid-state-drive (SSD), the Softing SVI covers both modern gigabit flash requirements and legacy diagnostics
- The integrated smart device offers fast processing power, a display for diagnostic data and versatile wireless connectivity for seamless integration into backend and cloud systems
- With real-time processing of critical diagnostic protocols and virtualization via Docker, which also supports customer applications, the Softing Flash and Test solution offers the ideal option for demanding vehicle communication in the gigabit range
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Fields of Application
High-speed flashing in production without network load
Softing SVI is first “loaded” with vehicle data at the conveyor belt either locally or remotely via device management (e.g. MQTT, rsync). Reading the VIN via the OBD connection enables precise assignment of the vehicle and Softing SVI, allowing programming to take place automatically. The duration is deterministic due to the cable connection. The status is shown on the display. New data can be transmitted asynchronously at any time via the radio interface.
Quick test on the test vehicle or integration board in engineering (also remote)
In vehicle development, e.g. in bus integration, an FMU or in pre-series vehicles, a compact device enables fast testing and programming. Integration into the infrastructure via WiFi enables data distribution in both directions and remote access, especially for road tests via 5G.
Readout of the vehicle health status with feedback via 5G to the cloud
During road tests, Softing SVI is used to regularly read out the vehicle health state. The collected data is either stored directly in the cloud via 5G for evaluation or bundled via WiFi connection at the end of the day. New software can be downloaded via 5G and installed on individual vehicles or control units as required.
Service at its best – focusing on the customer
With the Softing SVI, initial diagnostics of broken-down vehicles can be carried out directly on the road. In addition, control units can be updated on site or, thanks to backend integration, spare parts can be ordered immediately. As soon as the vehicle arrives at the workshop, repairs can begin immediately. Pay-per-use models can also be offered.
Discover more from Ed & Ted
In a world where vehicle electronics is constantly evolving, especially via software, engineers and technicians are constantly faced with new challenges. Ed & Ted, two experts in the fields of diagnostics and testing, take on the demanding tasks over the entire vehicle lifecycle.
But while Ed works with tried-and-tested methods and technologies, Ted is already relying on Softing's innovative solutions, which make his work much easier and more efficient.
Join them on their journey through the world of automotive electronics and discover new ways to increase efficiency and quality in development, production and service.
Be one step ahead with Softing's diagnostic and test solutions. Get it done!
About Softing Automotive
We support our customers with solutions which facilitate the testing, diagnostics and monitoring of mechatronic systems, vehicles and entire fleets. We see our task as starting with communication with the vehicle, through data pre-processing and visualization, to storage – locally or in the cloud. We create the connection to the electronic systems of our customers worldwide!
Leading manufacturers of cars, motorcycles, commercial vehicles and their suppliers all rely on tried and tested tools and scalable solutions from Softing Automotive. But fleet operators and service suppliers also opt for Softing’s secure solutions and flexible services. The internationally binding standards implemented by Softing for programming interfaces, data descriptions, protocols and bus systems guarantee our customers the long-term safeguarding of their projects thanks to the reusability of data with consistently high quality. As an active member of numerous committees and associations (incl. ASAM, ISO, SAE), we take a leading role in defining industry standards.
Why Softing?
Highly efficient vehicle diagnostics – state-of-the-art performance with optimized data formats
>45 years of experience in vehicle diagnostics
>100,000 installations in the market of test and diagnostic systems
Detailed, in-depth data acquisition and analysis
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