In fact, the only question that most automotive engineers may be asking is not about the capability of software-defined cars to DOMINATE the industry over the next decade, but when will the industry be able to provide the necessary computing capability, safety, and integration with AI. This has been made possible by the recent collaboration between Infineon Technologies AG and Lenovo Group. This collaboaration brings AURIX ™ microcontrollers together with Lenovo AD1 and AH1 domain controllers.
1. High-Performance Microcontrollers at the Core
Infineon’s AURIX microcontrollers, world-leading for automotive microcontrollers, now also integrate safelycomputing, energy-saving, and highspeed data communication for the flagship domain controllers of Lenovo. The domain controllers form the key base for ADAS and autonomous driving, covering all levels from L2 partially automated driving through to L4 highly automated driving. Infineon’s Thomas Böhm, the Senior VP and head of the Automotive Microcontroller Business Line, commented, “Infineon’s close collaborations with partners like Lenovo enable us to complement safely computing capabilities with scalable software solutions for car manufacturers who want to accelerate their SDV plans or achieve smart mobility solutions quickly.”
2. Enabling the Transition to Software-Defined Vehicles
The integration of the offerings of the two companies falls in line with the trends in the automotive market; that is, a software-defined vehicle architecture. In this kind of architecture, hardware serves as a dynamic platform that supports an evolving software enabling profile. This allows the hardware functionality to be decoupled, making continuous upgrades possible through the use of over-the-air connections. However, the AD1 and AH1 microcontrollers, developed by Lenovo, are capable of meeting the requirements of a continuously evolving SAV software-defined vehicle as well.
3. Integration of AI in Real-World Driving
Lenovo’s strategy, asDeclen Donny Tang, Lenovo’s Vice President, puts it, is geared by the theme of “Smarter Technology for All.” It again emphasizing the assimilation of AI technology in real-life scenarios of driving. He said, “With superior semiconductor technology from Infineon, we have a solid foundation in the computing field. Based on the success of many stable partnerships over the years, we intend to even further combine AI technology with real-life scenarios of driving in order to provide even better results to our esteemed customers.” All these seem to hit the nail right on the target of the AI adoption plans in the automobile sector, which aims to implement AI in ADAS and self-driving vehicles.
4. Automotive Ecosystem Enhancement
Other than this, it is required that Infineon Technologies AG and Lenovo would have to coordinate their efforts with system integrators, telecommunication system suppliers, or developers of software components in order to enhance a “connected, automated, and sustainable mobility ecosystem.” The same thing can be said when it is taken into consideration that system integrators and suppliers play a very significant role in managing complex systems in vehicles, at least in the previous development of the automotive partner ecosystem.
5. Sustainability & Energy Efficiency
Controllers equipped with AURIX technology have an enabling role in so-called connected, cooperative, and automated mobility (CCAM) use cases. These use cases are related to energy-efficient driving. In autonomous driving, there will be a higher requirement for processing power. This can lead to an increase in the consumption figures. Improvements in the area of microcontrollers’ efficiency and optimized traffic solutions may help overcome this challenge. The use of domain controllers for electrified systems contributes to the objective of decarbonization.
6. Readiness for Infrastructure and Connectivity
Domain controllers with technology based on AI should have robust infrastructure. This is made possible by Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) and V2X communication technology. This technology ensures that there is availability for certified data flows. Another feature that the AI technology has is that it has the capability for controlling the bandwidth used for communication systems. Vehicles shall also be able to communicate with intelligent roads. This is made possible by SPAT and MAP messages.
7. Global Adoption & Regional Strategies
There are also differences when it comes to the adoption of AI and SDV, and this will influence the deployment strategy. China is very aggressive on the adoption of AI, and the targets include cabin and voice assistants. The main focus in Europe is on personalization, with ride customization also being crucial; however, adoption is quite conservative, particularly on zonal segmentation. Infineon-Lenovo is well-suited for any OD Dio.
8. Roadmap to Higher Autonomy
While Level 5 autonomy is not achievable at present and for the foreseeable future regarding civilian applications, overall hardware and software integrated solutions from Infineon and Lenovo are on the verge of achieving Level 4. All of this can be accomplished only if there is proper sensor fusion, reliable AI models, and powerful microcontrollers. The scalability of this partnership makes it easy for the OEMs to switch from what they are doing in ADAS to fully self-driving functions without having to modify the hardware.
The entry of Infineon’s expertise in microcontrollers and Lenovo’s high-performance domain controllers has made this partnership an overall computing solution that solves the technological and operational problems associated with next-generation mobility. This partnership is an important step forward in the automotive technology world related to the development of AI-based software-defined and sustainable self-driving vehicles.