OTA (Over-the-Air), removing the need of being near vehicle
Birkan Atlamaz, MSc, PhD(c)
Chief E/E Officer | E/E, SW, HW | vCISO Vehicle Cybersecurity @ ANADOLU ISUZU | Innovative Startup Mentor | Blogger
OTA updates are usually seen as a way to fix bugs or improve software but OTA is not just that. It can improve vehicle performance and what one can expect from the behaviour of the vehicle.
1. Reprogramming ECUs (Electronic Control Units)
ECUs control many functions in a vehicle, and their behavior is usually locked at the factory. OTA updates allow vehicle manufacturers to reprogram them after the vehicle is on the road. The need of physical attendance is removed from the way of working.
2. Sensor Calibration & Algorithm Optimization
Vehicle sensors can drift over time due to environmental factors. Instead of requiring a manual recalibration, OTA updates can fine-tune them remotely.
3. Battery Management System (BMS) & Vehicle Consumptions Optimization
Battery efficiency isn’t just about hardware. Software plays a big role in performance, charging speed, and range.
Not just some batteries, EVs have lots of power electronics which are based on communication based such as DC-DC converters, compressors. e-motor for traction and steering, etc. Any SW development which can result in efficiency in electric consumptions of he vehicle can be done remotely by OTA.
4. Improving ADAS and Autonomous Driving
Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) rely on software updates to improve features like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, and automated braking. Can be fine-tuning or major development.
5. Cybersecurity & Security Patches
Whether it's a stand alone or connected vehicle, all new generation vehicles can be subject to a cyber attack. OTA updates allow manufacturers to fix security issues quickly without requiring a service visit or to handle the issue without going to public which can be worsen things up.
OTA updates let vehicle manufacturers refine and improve their vehicles long after they leave the factory. As Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs) become more common, software updates will become a key way to improve performance, security, and efficiency without replacing hardware.