How does automotive software development differ from other types of software development?

1 Software complexity

Automotive software development involves creating and integrating software systems for various functions and features of a vehicle, such as engine control, infotainment, navigation, safety, and connectivity. These systems have to interact with each other and with the hardware components, sensors, and actuators of the vehicle, as well as with external devices and networks. This makes automotive software development highly complex and requires a high level of coordination, collaboration, and communication among different teams and stakeholders.

2 Software quality

Automotive software development also demands a high level of quality and reliability, as any software failure or defect can have serious consequences for the safety and performance of the vehicle and its occupants. Therefore, automotive software development follows strict quality assurance processes and standards, such as ISO 26262, which defines the functional safety requirements and risk assessment methods for automotive software. Additionally, automotive software development has to comply with various regulations and certifications from different countries and regions, which can vary in terms of technical specifications, testing procedures, and documentation.

4 Software tools

To effectively manage the complexity, quality, and lifecycle of automotive software development, software developers need to employ specialized tools and frameworks. These can include model-based design tools such as MATLAB and Simulink, which allow for the creation and simulation of software models and code generation. Additionally, software testing tools such as VectorCAST and LDRA enable unit testing, integration testing, and code coverage analysis. Moreover, software deployment tools like AUTOSAR and GENIVI provide standardized architectures and interfaces for the software components and platforms of the vehicle.

5 Software skills

In conclusion, automotive software development necessitates software engineers to possess specialized skills and understanding that are pertinent to the automotive domain. These include programming languages such as C, C++, and Python which are commonly used for developing automotive software systems. Additionally, embedded systems like microcontrollers, real-time operating systems, and communication protocols are indispensable for controlling the hardware components and devices of the vehicle. Moreover, automotive engineering skills such as vehicle dynamics, control theory, and sensor fusion are paramount for comprehending the physical and functional aspects of the vehicle and its systems.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?