#Germany #Automotive Software #Rust Programming #AUTOSAR Classic #Saarbruecken

Transforming Automotive Software: The Collaboration of HighTec, Elektrobit, and Infineon

In an exciting development for the automotive software landscape, HighTec EDV-Systeme, Elektrobit, and Infineon Technologies have launched a partnership aimed at enhancing innovation through a new software bundle specifically designed for automotive developers. This collaboration seeks to integrate Rust programming with AUTOSAR Classic basic software, setting a new standard in the industry.

Comprehensive Software Solutions

The three companies have come together to provide embedded automotive software developers with an all-encompassing software-hardware package. This bundle contains essential tools and software resources needed to facilitate the initial stages of working with Rust and AUTOSAR Classic software. The combination of expertise from these companies promises a streamlined development process for automotive applications, enabling faster and more efficient software creation.

Elektrobit's EB tresos AutoCore software and HighTec's automotive-grade Rust and C/C++ compiler form the core of this innovative bundle. Specifically designed for Infineon's AURIX™ microcontroller families, the Drive Core software package allows engineers to harness the benefits of Rust programming language - including its memory safety and performance - while maintaining compliance with AUTOSAR standards.

Addressing Industry Demands

As modern vehicles evolve and become more software-defined, the need for robust cybersecurity measures and functional safety protocols has intensified. The rise in demand for safe and secure automotive software development frameworks is driven by evolving regulations, such as the EU Cyber Resilience Act and UN R155. The joint solution from HighTec and Elektrobit meets these rising challenges head-on by integrating Rust's benefits with AUTOSAR Classic environments. This creates a hybrid development scenario where new Rust components can work alongside existing C/C++ code, effectively reducing risk while adhering to safety standards.

Unparalleled Development Tools

The Drive Core software bundle, tailored for AURIX TC4x microcontrollers, serves as a one-stop-shop for developers. It not only includes necessary configuration tools but also offers concrete examples and tutorials on how to create AUTOSAR software components in Rust, further simplifying the development process.

With Elektrobit’s EB tresos enabling clean and effective Rust development, the need for 'unsafe' code is minimized, providing a safer development environment. Developers will also benefit from advanced static analysis through Rust's Clippy tool, which aids in optimizing code quality, thus bolstering productivity and reducing development costs associated with creating safety-critical software.

Additionally, HighTec’s Rust compiler is built on a proven LLVM framework and specifically optimized for Infineon’s AURIX architectures. As the first Rust compiler tailored for AURIX TC3x and TC4x microcontrollers, it stands out for its rapid build system and advanced optimizations. This brings significant improvements not only in performance but also in the certification processes for applications deemed critical to safety.

A Vision for the Future

Infineon’s commitment to fostering innovation within the automotive sector is evident through their introduction of the Drive Core platform. Patrick Will, Senior Director of Automotive Software at Infineon, remarked that Drive Core is poised to be transformative for the automotive industry. Meanwhile, Elektrobit’s System Architect, Florian Bartels, emphasized that Rust’s safety features and compatibility with AUTOSAR Classic make it an ideal choice for the next generation of ECU development.

HighTec's CTO, Mario Cupelli, further expressed confidence that the partnership will significantly empower automotive stakeholders in developing safer, more efficient software solutions. To support the deployment of these new tools and solutions, HighTec and Elektrobit are also offering practical workshops and hands-on sessions to guide developers in integrating Rust into their AUTOSAR Classic projects.

Conclusion

As the automotive industry rapidly evolves, the partnership among HighTec, Elektrobit, and Infineon illustrates a pivotal step towards the future of automotive software development. By combining their strengths, they are positioned to set new benchmarks in safety, reliability, and innovation, thus ensuring that the automotive software landscape adapts to contemporary needs and challenges.

For more information regarding this transformative initiative, interested parties can visit the websites of HighTec, Elektrobit, and Infineon.