Vector Informatik and Synopsys Collaborate to Propel Software-Defined Vehicles Forward

Vector Informatik and Synopsys: Driving the Future of Software-Defined Vehicles

In an exciting development for the automotive industry, Vector Informatik and Synopsys have unveiled a strategic partnership aimed at advancing the evolution of software-defined vehicles (SDVs). This collaboration focuses on integrating both companies' strengths to enhance the efficiency and productivity of software development processes in the automotive sector.

The Need for Transformation

As the world of automotive technology rapidly evolves, the demand for more agile software development methodologies has grown significantly. Automakers are transitioning from traditional sequential design processes to dynamic and continuous development flows to tackle the increasing complexity of vehicle systems and support multiple vehicle variants. This shift is crucial not only for improving collaboration with suppliers but also for addressing the limitations of existing testing methods.

Vector and Synopsys are combining their respective areas of expertise to create pre-integrated solutions that enable automotive manufacturers to effectively 'shift-left' their software development. This approach allows for earlier validation and verification of software, ultimately accelerating the time to market for new vehicle features and functions.

Key Features of the Collaboration

The partnership will initially focus on the advancement of the open-source library SIL Kit, which plays a pivotal role in facilitating vehicle-level digital twins. By merging Vector's advanced MICROSAR embedded software and CANoe testing tools with Synopsys’ Silver and Virtualizer Development Kits (VDKs), the companies aim to simplify workflows and increase the overall productivity of engineering teams within OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.

With these integrated tools, developers will benefit from virtual electronic control units (vECUs), which are essential for all types of electronic control units used in software-defined vehicle architectures. This integration will promote a smoother transition from software-in-the-loop (SIL) to hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, a critical step in ensuring high-quality software validation.

Voices from the Industry

Industry leaders, such as Joachim Fetzer, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at Marelli, have welcomed this strategic collaboration. Fetzer acknowledges the importance of seamless tool integration for efficient and rapid development processes, particularly for the simulation and validation of complex automotive systems. The integrated solutions developed by Vector and Synopsys could set new standards in the industry, paving the way for more efficient digital development environments.

Tom De Schutter, Senior Vice President of Synopsys Product Management and Markets Group, highlighted the need for automakers to re-engineer their methodologies and tooling. He stated, "The transformation to software-defined vehicles requires automakers to significantly re-engineer their software development and validation methodologies and tooling to accelerate their time-to-market."

Furthermore, Marcus Eggenberger, Vice President at Vector Informatik, stressed that this collaboration would empower OEMs and their software suppliers to bolster quality and reduce costs, ultimately fueling innovation within the automotive landscape.

Looking Ahead

The initiative aims to address the growing challenges faced by automotive companies by providing a comprehensive solution that caters to the demands of modern vehicle software development. With increasing pressures to innovate and adapt to rapidly changing technologies, the partnership between Vector Informatik and Synopsys is poised to play a significant role in turning automotive visions into reality.

For those interested in learning more about the collaboration and the future of software-defined vehicles, both companies will showcase their solutions at Embedded World 2025, taking place from March 11 to March 13, 2025. This event will provide an excellent opportunity to witness firsthand how technological advancements are shaping the future of the automotive industry.

For additional information on Vector's SDV solutions, visit Vector, and for insights into Synopsys' virtualization solutions, check out Synopsys.