“Once, software was a part of the car. Now, software determines the value of a car. The success of a car depends on its software much more than the mechanical side.” – Manfred Broy, emeritus professor of informatics at Technical University, Munich.
This powerful statement, highlighted in a compelling Motor Trend documentary and publication called “Coding the Car,” perfectly encapsulates the monumental shift in the automotive industry. For decades, car manufacturing was synonymous with design aesthetics, metal fabrication, and engine prowess. However, the rise of the software-defined vehicle (SDV) has irrevocably changed the landscape. Modern cars are no longer just machines; they are sophisticated computers on wheels, boasting over 150 million lines of code and processing 25GB of data per hour. This begs the crucial question for anyone looking under the hood of the automotive revolution: How Do You Program Software In Cars?
automotive software programming complexity
Understanding the Layers of Automotive Software
Programming software in cars is not a monolithic task; it’s a complex endeavor involving multiple layers and systems working in concert. Think of a modern vehicle as a network of interconnected computers, each responsible for specific functions. These Electronic Control Units (ECUs) manage everything from engine control and braking systems to infotainment and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
Automotive software development typically involves programming for embedded systems. This means writing code that interacts directly with the hardware of these ECUs. It’s a far cry from developing web applications or desktop software. Automotive software engineers work with a variety of programming languages and tools tailored for reliability, real-time performance, and safety – critical aspects in the automotive domain.
The Automotive Software Programming Process: Tools and Technologies
So, how is this intricate software actually programmed? The process involves a specialized ecosystem of tools and technologies:
-
Programming Languages: While various languages are used, C and C++ remain the dominant choices for core automotive systems due to their performance, efficiency, and low-level hardware access capabilities. For higher-level applications, infotainment systems, and potentially for newer platforms, languages like Java, Python, and even JavaScript might be employed.
-
Development Environments (IDEs): Specialized Integrated Development Environments are crucial. These IDEs, often provided by companies like Vector, Elektrobit, or dSPACE, are tailored for embedded systems development. They offer features like:
- Compilers and Debuggers: To translate code into machine-readable instructions and identify/fix errors.
- Simulators and Emulators: To test software functionality in a virtual environment before deploying to actual hardware, saving time and resources.
- AUTOSAR Support: Tools often incorporate support for AUTOSAR (Automotive Open System Architecture), a standardized software architecture that promotes modularity and reusability in automotive software.
-
Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS): Many critical automotive systems require real-time responses. RTOS like QNX, AUTOSAR OS, or Linux with real-time extensions ensure that software tasks are executed with precise timing and predictability, essential for safety-critical functions like braking and steering.
-
Communication Protocols: Cars rely on various communication networks to allow ECUs to exchange data. Programmers must work with protocols like CAN (Controller Area Network), LIN (Local Interconnect Network), and Ethernet to ensure seamless communication between different vehicle systems.
-
Testing and Validation Tools: Rigorous testing is paramount in automotive software development. Tools for unit testing, integration testing, system testing, and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing are used to verify software functionality, reliability, and safety under various conditions.
Navigating the Challenges of Automotive Software Programming
Programming software for cars presents unique challenges that are not typically encountered in other software domains:
-
Safety-Critical Requirements: Automotive software often controls safety-critical functions like braking, steering, and airbags. Software malfunctions can have severe consequences, making reliability and safety paramount. Development processes must adhere to stringent safety standards like ISO 26262.
-
Real-Time Constraints: Many automotive systems operate under strict real-time constraints. Software must respond to events and process data within milliseconds to ensure proper vehicle operation and safety.
-
Complexity and Integration: Modern vehicles are incredibly complex systems with numerous interconnected ECUs and software components. Integrating software from various suppliers and ensuring seamless interaction is a significant challenge.
-
Cybersecurity: As cars become more connected, cybersecurity becomes a critical concern. Automotive software must be designed to be resilient against cyberattacks that could compromise vehicle safety and security.
-
Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates: The ability to update car software over-the-air is a game-changer, allowing for new features and bug fixes without physical recalls. However, managing OTA updates securely and reliably, without disrupting vehicle functionality, adds another layer of complexity to software programming and deployment.
Embracing Modern Approaches: DevOps and CI/CD in Automotive
To manage the increasing complexity and accelerate innovation, the automotive industry is adopting modern software development practices like DevOps and Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD).
-
Containers and Microservices: Similar to web and cloud applications, containers and microservices are gaining traction in automotive software. Breaking down monolithic software into smaller, independent microservices makes development, deployment, and updates more manageable.
-
CI/CD Pipelines: Automated CI/CD pipelines streamline the software development lifecycle. They automate building, testing, and deploying software changes, enabling faster iteration cycles and quicker delivery of new features and updates to vehicles. As highlighted in “Coding the Car,” and exemplified by companies like Ford leveraging solutions like Portworx, efficient CI/CD pipelines and robust data storage are becoming crucial for automotive software velocity.
-
Platform Engineering: Automakers are increasingly building their own software platforms, like Stellantis’ STLA Brain and General Motors’ Ultifi, to standardize software architectures and simplify development across their vehicle brands. These platforms aim to abstract the underlying hardware and provide developers with a more consistent and efficient environment for creating automotive applications and services.
The Future Landscape of Automotive Software Programming
The future of automotive software programming is dynamic and rapidly evolving. We can expect to see:
-
Increased Use of AI and Machine Learning: AI and machine learning are already playing a growing role in ADAS and autonomous driving. Programming for these systems requires expertise in AI algorithms, sensor data processing, and machine learning frameworks.
-
Growing Software Content: Cars will continue to become more software-centric. The lines of code and complexity will only increase as vehicles become more autonomous, connected, and feature-rich.
-
Demand for Specialized Skills: The automotive industry needs a growing workforce of skilled software engineers with expertise in embedded systems, real-time programming, safety-critical software development, cybersecurity, and AI.
In conclusion, programming software in cars is a multifaceted and challenging field that is rapidly becoming the heart of the automotive industry. It demands a unique blend of skills, specialized tools, and a deep understanding of safety, reliability, and real-time systems. As the automotive world continues its software-driven transformation, mastering the art of programming for cars will be essential for driving innovation and shaping the future of mobility.
Learn more about [automotive data solutions](https://www.purestorage.com/solutions/industries/automotive.html) from Pure Storage.
