Press Releases

AUTOSAR and Android™ applications running concurrently on safe and secure virtualization embedded platform

The demonstrator exemplifies the main features and unique advantages of COQOS in five concrete use-cases.

The first demonstrated use-case addresses the fast-boot requirement of the CAN-Interface: Most automotive manufacturers require that a device shows presence on the CAN bus a very short time after power-on. In the demonstrator, the AUTOSAR partition sends a CAN message with the “system up time” as a first operation after start. This shows what boot performance COQOS can achieve on the demonstrator hardware where the CAN-Controller is integrated on the application processor.

The second demonstrated use-case shows safe communication between CAN (through AUTOSAR) and the Android infotainment system: a vehicle simulation sends information concerning the battery status, the maximal range and additional navigation data on the CAN bus, where it is read by the AUTOSAR partition and relayed to Android. An Android App displays this data.

Robustness becomes visible in the third demonstrated use-case: on receipt of a special CAN diagnostic message, the AUTOSAR partition triggers a reboot of the Linux partition. During reboot of the Linux partition the AUTOSAR partition is unaffected and keeps running normally.

The fourth demonstrated use-case is about real-time behavior: the AUTOSAR partition periodically sends CAN messages with the “system up time” as a payload in a well defined time interval. This demonstrates minimal jitter of the real-time AUTOSAR partition.

Finally the fifth use-case is the evidence of the fact, that integration of several functionalities on one single chip reduces hardware and manufacturing cost. COQOS makes it possible to use an integrated on-chip CAN-Controller and to share hardware (e.g. a GSM or UMTS modem) between infotainment and safety-critical applications. Because COQOS allows the integration of driver assistance systems, entire ECUs can be replaced by software on COQOS. 

Two related papers dealing with safety and security solutions are presented at Embedded World:

Dr. Stefaan Sonck-Thiebaut: AUTOSAR fast-boot on i.mx: A software solution that makes it possible to use generic operating systems and still satisfy the automotive requirements. 

The solution is based on a small micro-kernel that can start extremely quickly and can get a CANStack (or an entire AUTOSAR environment) up and running within the typical automotive requirements. A virtualized Linux or Android can then start and run in its own partition, separated from the already running CAN-stack by the micro-kernel. Using the i.MX53 processor and CAN as a concrete example, we will present real performance numbers. (Wednesday, March 2nd, 16:45 - 17:15, Embedded System Architecture II)

Dr. Matthias Gerlach (OpenSynergy), Robert Hilbrich and Stephan Weißleder, Fraunhofer FIRST: Can Cars Fly? From Avionics to Automotive: Comparability of Domain specific Safety Standards.

This presentation analyzes similarities and differences between the safety and security standards in avionics and automotive. It further evaluates whether the technological basis of IMA, such as using a separation microkernel, can be used in cars, and what the implications of this are for the final product. As an example, the micro-kernel based COQOS operating system by OpenSynergy will be used. (Thursday, March 3rd, 14:30 - 15:00, Safety and Software Quality II)

More information at www.sysgo.com/automotive

About OpenSynergy GmbH

OpenSynergy develops and markets software products for the automotive industry. Our main product COQOS makes it possible to integrate consumer electronics technology (based on Linux or Android) safely and securely into an AUTOSAR-compatible car environment. Because of the modular approach of COQOS, it can be employed in head units, instrument clusters and for connectivity or driver assistance systems. In addition, OpenSynergy offers consulting and engineering services for software development and software architecture in the sectors of infotainment, connectivity and AUTOSAR.

www.opensynergy.com