A vehicle should not be limited by hardware. Software keeps it modern with constant updates.
What is a software-defined vehicle (SDV)?
We’ve been hearing the term software-defined vehicle (SDV) in the automotive manufacturers world over the last decade. In this article, we’re breaking down what it really means and how we apply it to the Squad Solar City Car.
Software everywhere
For many decades, most functions in cars were controlled by hardware components, such as switches and relays. For example, a mechanical control point such as a light switch, would turn on the lights by electromechanically activating a relay for each light setting. Such a system meant that changes or updates were mostly made to the hardware only, and little was done to the electronics.
As vehicles became more complex and incorporated new features like anti-lock braking (ABS), and advanced safety systems, they required more electronics. This made the hardware-heavy approach inefficient and outdated, and paved the way for replacing direct hardware controls with centralized, programmable Vehicle Control Units, or VCUs. As software, rather than fixed hardware, increasingly managed the core of the vehicle, the industry transitioned to what we now call Software-Defined Vehicles, SDVs.
What are the benefits of a software-defined vehicle?
Software-defined vehicles enable the vehicle manufacturer to add new functions to the VCU easily, without having to find a new standalone unit for it. In addition, the VCU can include many safety functions which are vital for the function of the vehicle.
Let’s take an example. In modern cars, when you press the accelerator pedal for more torque, the pedal is not directly connected to the motor. There’s a sensor in between, that sends a signal to a control unit, the VCU. It’s what regulates the electric current supplied to the motor to produce the requested torque. So, in case of hardware failure or communication disruption, from the accelerator pedal to the electric motor torque demand in our case, the VCU can make sure that the vehicle remains controllable and safe.
And, with more controls, component diagnostics and early warning systems can be implemented in modern automotive VCUs, making it increasingly safer and building customer trust.
On top of that, centralized VCU architecture and removing all that peripheral standalone hardware simplifies the scalability of features. The computing power of modern automotive VCU components, combined with the right timing of each function makes it possible for automotive OEMs to add a large number of features in one controller. And all that, without having to procure additional hardware in most cases.
What does this mean for the Squad platform?
The Squad’s vehicle platform goes by the Software-Defined Vehicle philosophy. It runs almost all major functions: driver controls, energy management, and vehicle monitoring with software that we developed in-house. This reduces dependence on external hardware and allows us to improve, customize, and update the Squad much faster while maintaining high quality and reliability.
Another important benefit is that the platform can be modernized quickly. As new features can be added with software, we can make sure that the Squad stays up-to-date with the latest trends, customer needs, and changing regulations. And as new hardware becomes available, our software can easily move with it, thanks to its compatibility with a wide range of automotive computing units.
In case you haven't heard...
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