2311ATC301T �FUNDAMENTALS OF SOFTWARE DEFINED VEHICLES

Easwari Engineering College

Department of Automobile Engineering

II year III Semester

R2023-V1.1

Academic Year 2025-2026 – ODD Semester

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Objective

• To introduce the concept and evolution of software-defined vehicles.
• To learn basic vehicle electronics and computing systems.
• To understand in-vehicle networks and vehicle communication.
• To explore basic cybersecurity, diagnostics, and software updates in SDVs.
• To introduce simple simulations using model-based tools.

Course Outcomes

INTRODUCTION TO SOFTWARE DEFINED VEHICLES

• Basics of traditional vs. software-based vehicles
• Importance of software in modern automobiles
• Key features of SDVs: connectivity, adaptability, software control
• Industry examples (e.g., Tesla, VW, BMW)
• Benefits and limitations of SDVs

UNIT- 1

BASICS OF VEHICLE SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE

• Introduction to Electronic Control Units (ECUs)
• Central vs. distributed control-
• Introduction to operating systems in vehicles-
• Overview of automotive software platforms (AUTOSAR – very basic)-
• Sensors and actuators in SDVs

UNIT- 2

IN-VEHICLE COMMUNICATION & CONNECTIVITY

• Need for communication between vehicle components
• Basics of CAN, LIN, and Ethernet (simple explanation with diagrams)
• Intro to V2V and V2X communication-Role of IoT in SDVs
• Simple examples of connected features (e.g., connected infotainment, remote lock/unlock)

UNIT- 3

SOFTWARE UPDATES, CYBERSECURITY & DIAGNOSTICS

• What is OTA (Over-the-Air) update
• Benefits of OTA in vehicles
• Basic understanding of cybersecurity threats in SDVs-Safety and diagnostic systems
• Overview of ISO/SAE 21434 and functional safety (only key points)

UNIT- 4

INTRODUCTION TO SIMULATION AND MODEL-BASED DESIGN

• What is model-based design (MBD)
• Basic block diagrams using Simulink or similar tools
• Simple ECU or sensor simulation exercises
• Understanding data flow in an SDV using visual tools
• Demonstration of a simple BMS or ADAS simulation

UNIT- 5

Traditional vs. software-based vehicles

Traditional Vehicles: Primarily mechanical, fixed functionalities.

Software-Based Vehicles (Software-Defined Vehicles - SDVs):

Evolving, intelligent, and highly customizable.

Why this shift? Demands for new features, connectivity, autonomy, and faster innovation.

UNIT-1 - INTRODUCTION TO SOFTWARE DEFINED VEHICLES

Traditional Vehicles - The Hardware-Centric Approach

Definition: Vehicles where most functions are controlled by dedicated, isolated hardware components and mechanical systems.

Architecture:

Distributed ECUs (Electronic Control Units): Many individual ECUs, each controlling a specific function (e.g., engine, transmission, ABS).

Limited Interconnection: ECUs communicate over basic networks like CAN bus, often with point-to-point connections.

Fixed Functionality: Features are largely determined at the time of manufacturing and are difficult to change or upgrade post-sale.

Key Characteristics:

• Hardware drives software.
• Updates are rare and often require physical intervention (e.g., dealership visit).
• Limited flexibility for new features.

Software-Based Vehicles (SDVs) - The Software-Centric Revolution

Definition: Vehicles where a significant portion of the features and functionalities are defined, controlled, and updated through software.

Architecture:

Centralized/Zonal Architecture: Moving towards powerful central computers or zonal gateways that manage multiple functions.

High-Speed Networks: Ethernet backbone for faster data transfer between domains.

Software over Hardware: Hardware provides the platform, but software dictates behavior and features.

Decoupled Hardware & Software: Allows for independent development and updates.Key Characteristics:

• Software drives hardware.
• Over-The-Air (OTA) updates are standard.
• Flexible, adaptable, and upgradeable.

Key Differences - A Comparison

Advantages of Software-Based Vehicles

Enhanced Functionality & Features: Rapid deployment of new capabilities (e.g., new ADAS features, infotainment apps).

Over-The-Air (OTA) Updates:

• Remote bug fixes and security patches.
• Performance enhancements.
• New feature rollouts without dealership visits.

Personalization & Customization: Drivers can tailor their vehicle experience.

Improved Safety: Faster deployment of safety updates and autonomous driving improvements.

Reduced Development Costs & Time: Decoupling hardware and software speeds up cycles.

New Business Models: Subscription services, feature-on-demand.

Extended Vehicle Lifespan: Cars can get better over time, rather than becoming obsolete.

Challenges and Considerations for SDVs

Cybersecurity Risks: Increased attack surface due to connectivity and software complexity.

Software Complexity & Quality: Managing millions of lines of code; rigorous testing needed.

Regulatory Frameworks: Laws need to catch up with rapidly evolving technology (e.g., liability for autonomous features).

Data Privacy: Collection and usage of vast amounts of vehicle and driver data.

Hardware Compatibility: Ensuring new software features work seamlessly with existing hardware.

Development Skills Gap: Need for new engineering talent (software, AI, cybersecurity).

Consumer Acceptance: Trust in autonomous features and OTA updates.

COMPARISON OF VEHCILES

Continue...

Maruti 800

• Fully mechanical.
• Minimal electronics.
• No digital systems or internet.
• Pure driver control.

Hyundai Creta (2020+)

• Transitional phase.
• Uses software for comfort and infotainment.
• Limited OTA and ADAS.
• Still largely hardware-dependent.

Tesla Model 3/Y (SDV)

• Fully software-integrated.
• Self-learning, self-updating.
• Features can improve over time (e.g., range, safety, UI).
• Data is shared with cloud systems for diagnostics, improvements.

Importance of Software in Modern Automobiles

The Digital Transformation of Cars

From Mechanics to Computing: Modern cars are no longer just mechanical devices; they are sophisticated, interconnected computers on wheels.

Software is the Core: It acts as the "brain" and "nervous system," controlling virtually every function.

Why the Shift? Consumer demand for advanced features, connectivity, enhanced safety, and the path to autonomous driving.

Key Idea: Software is the fundamental enabler of innovation and differentiation in today's automotive industry.

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Software's Core Roles: Safety, Performance, & User Experience

Enhanced Safety:

Active Safety Systems: ABS, ESC, Airbag deployment logic.

Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS): Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane-Keeping Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking – all driven by complex algorithms processing real-time sensor data.

OTA Updates: Crucial for rapid deployment of security patches and safety improvements.

Optimized Performance & Efficiency:

Precision Control: Software fine-tunes engine and transmission for optimal power, fuel economy, and reduced emissions.

EV Management: Essential for Battery Management Systems (BMS), motor control, and range optimization in electric vehicles.

Predictive Maintenance: Analyzing data to anticipate and prevent breakdowns.

Superior User Experience & Connectivity:

Infotainment Systems: Navigation, media, smartphone integration, voice control, and app ecosystems.

Seamless Connectivity: Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication, real-time traffic, remote diagnostics.

Personalization: Customizable driver profiles and vehicle settings.

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The Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) & Future Innovation

Defining the SDV: A vehicle whose features and functionalities are primarily defined, controlled, and updated through software. Hardware provides the platform, software dictates behavior.

Over-The-Air (OTA) Updates: Transforms cars into evolving platforms that "get better with age. "Enables new feature rollouts, performance upgrades, and bug fixes remotely.

Foundation for Autonomy: Complex AI, machine learning, and sensor fusion required for self-driving capabilities are entirely software-driven.

New Business Models: Opens doors for subscription services, on-demand features, and data-driven insights.

COMPARISON OF VEHCILES

Continue...

Maruti 800

• Fully mechanical.
• Minimal electronics.
• No digital systems or internet.
• Pure driver control.

Hyundai Creta (2020+)

• Transitional phase.
• Uses software for comfort and infotainment.
• Limited OTA and ADAS.
• Still largely hardware-dependent.

Tesla Model 3/Y (SDV)

• Fully software-integrated.
• Self-learning, self-updating.
• Features can improve over time (e.g., range, safety, UI).
• Data is shared with cloud systems for diagnostics, improvements.

Software Control – The Brain of SDVs

Centralized Architecture: Fewer ECUs, centralized domain controllers.

Modular Software Stack: OS + Middleware + Apps (e.g., AUTOSAR, ROS, Linux).

Cybersecurity Controls: Secure boot, data encryption, anomaly detection.

Lifecycle Flexibility: Continuous improvement post-sale (bug fixes, new features).

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What is Software Control in SDVs?

Software Control – The Brain of Modern Vehicles

• Replaces traditional hardware-centric systems
• Centralized or domain-based ECUs control vehicle functions
• Enables Over-The-Air (OTA) updates, remote diagnostics, and feature unlocks
• Makes vehicles upgradeable, customizable, and more intelligent

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Tesla – Pioneer in Software-Defined Mobility

Tesla: Software-First Approach

Key Features:

Full OTA updates (Autopilot, infotainment, battery control)

Centralized computing architecture

"Feature unlocks" through software (e.g., acceleration boost, FSD)

In-house OS and continuous improvement model

Visual Suggestion:

Tesla Model 3 image + icons for update cloud, AI chip, steering wheel

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VW & BMW – Evolving Software Ecosystems

Volkswagen:

VW.OS and VW Automotive Cloud (VW.AC)

Shared software across VW, Audi, Porsche

Functions: OTA, smart parking, driving assistance

BMW:

• BMW Operating System 8 & 9
• Remote software upgrades for millions of cars
• “Functions on Demand” (heated seats, ADAS)

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Benefits of Software Defined Vehicles

Key Benefits:

Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates – Add features, fix bugs, improve performance remotely

Smarter, Safer Driving – Real-time data processing enables ADAS and autonomy

Personalization – Adaptive settings based on user profiles

Feature Flexibility – Functions can be enabled via software (e.g., heated seats)

Better Sustainability – Efficient use of hardware, fewer recalls, lower emissions

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Limitations of SDVs

Key Limitations:

Cybersecurity Risks – Remote access makes vehicles vulnerable to hacking

Complex Maintenance – Software issues may require specialized updates/tools

Higher Initial Cost – More sensors, powerful chips, and development cost

Data Privacy Concerns – Continuous data collection raises ethical questions

Compatibility Issues – Integration across legacy and future systems can be difficult

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Thank you

Dr.P.Pathmanaban

pathmanaban.p@eec.srmrmp.edu.in

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3/1/20XX