With years of experience as an innovative development service provider to the automobile industry, Solectrix has the complete value creation process down pat. We handle the complete development of new car electronics systems for OEMs and suppliers in all phases of the V model, from the concept and the hardware and software development to testing.
Our services portfolio ranges from research and predevelopment in the algorithm development field to the development and construction of prototypes and demonstrators and ultimately to the actual series development of digital ECU cores.
In this we combine agile development methods with the classic V model, but also with aspects of functional safety – as shown in the video.
Research and pre-development in the algorithm development field
We convert the customer wishes into a series-ready concept, taking into account all requirements and parameters, developing and visualizing them within a first reference model.
Development of prototypes and demonstrators incl. transition to series production
In the prototype phase we convert this series-ready concept into functional prototypes, using original hardware components like our data grabber system proFRAME or our SXoM modules.
Series development of digital ECU cores
With a team of qualified engineers from the FPGA, software, hardware and test development fields we cover all areas within this phase. Additionally, we can work on testing concepts at an early stage. In all this, we use contemporary and agile development methods and combine them with functional safety requirements.
As a development partner for OEMs and suppliers, we are involved in numerous technology projects and customized serial projects. This includes, for example, the pre- and series development in the indirect vision field as in the first series-production digital mirror replacement system for trucks, developed alongside MEKRA Lang. Or the pre- and series development of Ethernet-based camera systems and of FPGA-based or microcontroller-based embedded solutions as well as technology development in the image processing field.
Pre- and series development of indirect vision (mirror replacement system)
Typically, we are involved in the conceptualization of the CMS core features and the setup of functional prototypes. This is followed by the series development of the CMS image processing with due regard to functional safety. For one, it is important to bear in mind that the system is a safety-relevant part of the vehicle for ensuring indirect vision and thus ISO 26262, among others, needs to be adhered to. Second, such a CMS must meet high specific image quality criteria for latency-optimized presentation on the monitor, but also as a basis for subsequent topics like object detection or other ADAS functionalities.
Pre- and series development of Ethernet-based camera systems
Here we develop either Ethernet-based cameras that have to be integrated into the smallest spaces, or we realize the additional output of compressed image data streams for downstream functionalities within a central control unit. In both cases, established standards in the automotive Ethernet field can be supported, for example SOME/IP. Here we can support our customers in all areas, from optimized smart cameras to flexible system architectures.
Technology development image processing
In the research and predevelopment field, we deal with conceptualization and prototypical implementation of the following topics:
Pre- and series development of FPGA-based embedded solutions
We handle complete FPGA development, from FPGA-centric systems to the simple implementation of hardware accelerators within the FPGA fabric. Series development projects are based not only on Automotive SPICE-compliant VHDL development and thus on the same lifecycle as classic software, but also on safeguards regarding functional safety according to ISO 26262.
Pre- and series development of microcontroller-based embedded solutions
We handle the complete software lifecycle from conception, SW requirements, architecture and design to testing, taking into account market-specific aspects like Automotive SPICE, functional safety (ISO 26262), security, Ethernet, CAN, diagnosis, update, AUTOSAR, etc.
Increasingly complex electronic components and higher safety standards call for most reliable and simultaneously efficient software development. Thus, we combine the classic approach according to the V model with agile development methods, placing great value on open and standardized architectures and an understanding of quality that covers the entire development cycle.
Thus we work based on a custom-tailored, generic software development process (Automotive SPICE), contemporary workflows and the “zero defects” strategy. We develop safety-relevant systems according to the ASIL classification (Automotive Safety Integrity Level) or respective provisions. We achieve efficient working while adhering to the highest quality standards by using the DevOps approach and our ISO 9001-certified quality management system.
Software development process
We use a generic software development process (Automotive SPICE) that is applied in a custom-tailored manner depending on the project. We place particular value on the use of up-to-date workflows and the adherence to the “zero defects” strategy through quality assurance measures. We apply this to FPGA development in the same way and with similar tools as in classic software development, i.e., independent from the realization, topics like guidelines, coding styles, static code analysis, unit tests and so on are clearly defined.
Functional safety according to ISO 26262
We develop safety-relevant systems according to the ASIL classification (Automotive Safety Integrity Level) or other norms that are already taken into account during conceptualization and the first development steps.
DevOps
Our goal is efficient working through increased automation in areas like code reviews and analyses, unit, integration and qualification tests, with tools for continuous integration and the creation of a “build” as well as release management.
Quality management according to ISO 9001
The quality management system implemented in our automotive business unit was certified according to ISO 9001 on August 10, 2020. Its focus is Automotive SPICE-compliant software development including all supporting activities in the area of electronics development.
As a competent development partner, we deliver innovative individual solutions and specialist know-how in the field of electronics development. In prototyping and series development, our competence covers the following areas:
For prototyping as well as for series development, we offer you software, hardware and mechanics from a single source, perfectly matched and meeting your demands in an optimal way. Our solutions include highly integrated electronics and high-speed processor assemblies with complex user interfaces and programmable logic that we embed into your system perfectly.
Conceptualization and setup of the hardware
FPGA/SoC development
Software development
Certifications and norms
We work according to norms and guidelines like:
