
Software has become an integral component of modern automobiles. It takes on the most versatile functions and is already distributed across up to 80 control units from different suppliers today. The challenge arising from this scenario is that the devices and their software must work together error-free even in seemingly trivial vehicle functions such as electric window lifters and need to be adapted individually to an increasing model diversity.
In order to simplify the development of such systems in the future and to guarantee high quality, manufacturers and suppliers in the automotive industry across Europe, Asia, and the USA have joined forces with manufacturers of software development tools in the AUTOSAR initiative (Automotive Open System Architecture) to commit to the standardization of architectures, interfaces, and basic control unit software. The AUTOSAR standard is expected to lead to cost reductions for automotive systems while at the same time increasing the quality of the software.