Software Defined Vehicle (SDV), or software-defined vehicle, is an automobile that implements core functions in software instead of hardware. The main features range from update capabilities to AI control on multiple levels.
The use of microprocessors in motor vehicles comes from requirements of exhaust aftertreatment with catalytic converters and injury prevention with airbags which became commonplace in the US by 1974. In the following years the sensors and controllers were increasingly attached to bus systems, with the CAN bus taking over as standard by 1986. This enabled further integration of electronic components allowing new driver assistance systems in the 1990s.
The software functions were originally distributed across multiple components from several suppliers. The automaker Tesla started to centralize the functions coining the term "software-defined" for that in 2012. The characteristics of a software-defined vehicle were defined differently in the next years. In 2024, the European Commission started the SDVoF initiative (software-defined vehicle of the future)[1] and the Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA) started the S-CORE project (Eclipse Safe Open Vehicle Core)[2] leading to a cross-manufacturer approach with the definition of 5 readiness levels for SDV.
SDV Level
The readiness levels of software-defined vehicles are defined as[3]
SDV Level 0: Mechanically Controlled Vehicle
the majority of vehicle functions are performed mechanically; only individual components such as the engine control unit contain electronics.
the components are connected to one or more control buses (CANopen) which can connect sensors and actuators at several megabits/sec. The software updates are still performed in workshops, with the exception of non-safety-critical areas such as infotainment systems.
SDV Level 3: Partial Software Defined Vehicle
an operating system for the car is defined that allows to integrate multiple functions on a highly integrated System on a chip (SoC) using a module concept and APIs. These software modules can be updated with bug fixes and improved features via over-the-air updates.
SDV Level 4: Full Software Defined Vehicle
the components are connected via a multi-gigabit/s network, enabling the decoupling of software and hardware. The processor for the software is independent from the controls and the software can be switched to a different chip. The update capability allows new functions to be installed in a vehicle that has already been sold.
SDV Level 5: Software Defined Ecosystem
the computing power of the electronic components allows for the use of AI control (SAE J3016 automation). The vehicle's software cano connect to additional plugged-in components and smartphones via standard protocols. The further development of the software functionality follows product cycles and versioning schemes as defined in software development processes.
From level 3 onwards, a vehicle is considered an SDV, being a software-defined vehicle.
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