The automotive industry is in the midst of a transformation, with concepts like smart vehicles, intelligent cockpits, and software-defined cars taking center stage. At the core of these innovations are two vital elements: the electronic-electrical architecture, which is a fierce battleground in the automotive sector, and automotive operating systems.
Automotive operating systems may not seem entirely new, much like the era before the dominance of Android and iOS in the mobile market, where Nokia's Symbian OS ruled the day. Today, cars are already equipped with operating systems, so why the sudden spotlight on automotive operating systems now?
The emphasis arises from the fundamental need for automotive safety and the growing demand from consumers for information, entertainment, and the rise of augmented reality and autonomous driving. No one wants their car to freeze, blue-screen, or experience cache bottlenecks while on the road. Failures in a car's operating system can lead to life-threatening situations. The traditional automotive industry is realizing the need to adapt to meet these market demands. This is why automotive operating systems are now in the spotlight.
Defining Automotive Operating Systems
Operating systems play a pivotal role in managing hardware resources and activities in various systems, scheduling applications, writing data to disks, and facilitating data exchange over networks. In the context of automobiles, automotive operating systems are responsible for managing diverse vehicle applications, spanning from media broadcasting to critical functions such as braking and steering. The concept of operating systems stems from the realm of computers. A prime example is UNIX, which has served as the foundation for many software platforms, including those used in the automotive industry.
An Exploration of Automotive Operating System Types
From an automotive perspective, operating systems can be categorized based on their roles in vehicle development. Let's consider these categories:
a) General Purpose Operating System (GPOS) and Real-Time Operating System (RTOS): The primary distinction between the two lies in the strict time limits that RTOS must adhere to.
b) GPOS is typically employed for systems or applications with less stringent time requirements. It finds its place in entertainment systems and human-machine interfaces, such as Android and AliOS.
c) RTOS is critical for time-sensitive systems, often used in safety-related aspects, vehicle control, and other functions that require compliance with safety standards such as ISO 26262 ASIL levels. BlackBerry's QNX is a prime example.
Leading Automotive Operating Systems in the Market
Automotive operating systems cater to various functions, including entertainment, instrument displays, and driving control. Here are some prominent examples:
a) Linux: A familiar name in the software industry, Linux serves as the foundation for several automotive operating systems. Notable projects like Automotive Grade Linux (AGL) and Genivi have extended Linux's use in the automotive sector.
b) Automotive Grade Linux (AGL): A collaborative open-source project, AGL unites automotive manufacturers, suppliers, and tech companies to accelerate the development and adoption of open-source software for connected vehicles. Toyota, Volkswagen, Daimler, Hyundai, Mazda, Honda, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Nissan, and SAIC have all embraced AGL.
c) Genivi: Founded in 2009, the GENIVI Alliance initially aimed to provide an open-source in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) platform based on Linux. It has since expanded its scope to assist automakers and their suppliers in developing standard approaches to integrate ADAS, driver information, and infotainment technologies.
d) Android: Originally a mobile operating system, Android has found its way into the automotive sector, with carmakers like BYD integrating it into their vehicles. Android-based systems provide a vast ecosystem of applications and are increasingly common in modern cars.
e) AliOS (Alibaba Operating System): Used by SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation) and associated brands, AliOS is tailored for the automotive sector, emphasizing cloud connectivity and in-car services.
f) Huawei HarmonyOS (Hongmeng): While not widely adopted in the automotive industry as of now, Huawei's HarmonyOS presents a potential future player in the market.
g) Microsoft Windows CE: An early entrant, Microsoft's Windows CE was used in some vehicles but has become less prevalent in recent years.
h) NVIDIA DRIVE™ OS: NVIDIA's automotive operating system is designed for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving. Companies like XPeng utilize this system in their self-driving technology.
Future Trends in Automotive Operating Systems
The future of automotive operating systems is marked by several significant trends:
a) Intelligent Driving and Cockpits: As vehicles become more intelligent, with advanced driver-assistance systems and enhanced in-cabin features, there is a growing emphasis on graphical user interfaces and feature-rich GPOS for human-machine interaction.
b) Robust Real-Time Control: Autonomous driving and safety-critical features demand more powerful real-time control systems. RTOS will continue to be pivotal in this regard, ensuring the timely execution of control functions.
c) Multi-OS Coexistence: To cater to both safety-critical applications and infotainment, a shift towards using hypervisors to run multiple operating systems on the same hardware is gaining traction. This enables a combination of GPOS for rich graphical interfaces and RTOS for safety-critical tasks.
d) Standardization and Ecosystem: The future of automotive operating systems relies on open standards and ecosystem development. Automakers must consider ecosystem-building and standardization to accommodate diverse customer needs and make software more accessible and extensible.
Conclusion
Automotive operating systems are an integral part of modern vehicles, enabling a wide range of functions from entertainment to critical safety systems. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, operating systems play a pivotal role in shaping the driving experience. The adoption of GPOS and RTOS, and the growing emphasis on multi-OS coexistence, reflect the need to balance entertainment and safety. The future trends in automotive operating systems promise enhanced user experiences and robust control systems, driven by advancements in intelligent driving and cockpit technologies.