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More options in automotive-qualified electronic components along with the arrival of powerful multicore SoC platforms have changed the playing field in designing automotive electronic systems today. The flexibility of open source Linux-based operating systems has also allowed vehicle systems designers to consider hosting multiple complex functions in a single electronic control unit (ECU). This paper examines a "proof-of-concept" platform that has integrated a variety of consumer-demanded convenience features along with safety functions in a secure automotive-grade package. Platform capabilities include: a driver information module (DIM), in-vehicle infotainment (IVI), smartphone and tablet integration, advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features, and an AUTOSAR-based communication capability that works with existing in-vehicle networks (CAN, LIN, FlexRay, Ethernet, etc.).

With the dramatic mismatch between handheld consumer devices and automobiles, both in terms of product lifespan and the speed at which new features (or versions) are released, vehicle OEMs are faced with a perplexing dilemma. If the connected car is to succeed there has to be a secure and accessible method to update the software in a vehicle's infotainment system - as well as a real or perceived way to graft in new software content. The challenge has become even more evident as the industry transitions from simple analog audio systems which have traditionally served up broadcast content to a new world in which configurable and interactive Internet-based content rules the day. This paper explores the options available for updating and extending the software capability of a vehicle's infotainment system while addressing the lifecycle mismatch between automobiles and consumer mobile devices.

With several automotive OEMs recently embracing AUTOSAR as a mandate for electronic modules throughout the vehicle, and with the established legacy around implementations of Infotainment, Instrument Cluster and Telematics systems, we see some questions and uncertainty around the best way forward. This is further complicated by the desire of many OEMs to enable the use of mobile applications and other aspects of the mobile operating systems available from Google, Apple and others, and the desire to leverage content residing on connected mobile devices. And it seems inevitable that more powerful silicon devices will enable a reduction in the number of electronic control modules in the vehicle architecture, through module consolidation.