Tomorrow's Mobility: Software-Defined Vehicles & Data Integration

New technologies are changing a number of sectors and the automotive industry is one of those that is seeing revolutionary changes in the structure and nature of modern cars, as well as in the components and logic of their construction. And if often in the context of new cars, our first thought is that they have a different powertrain - electric/electric, it may be that this is not the most significant difference between a car of this century and one of the last. We invited Ivelin Georgiev, CEO of MD ELEKTRONIK Bulgaria, to talk about the mobility of tomorrow, the place of software in the cabin, and the role of data in the automotive industry.

Can you explain the concept of software-defined vehicles and how they differ from traditional cars?

Ivelin: Software-defined vehicles (SDVs) are changing the automotive landscape. Backed by advanced software and computing technology, they use centralized domain control units to manage various vehicle systems and components. Features and functions are enabled primarily through software, making it possible to personalize and enhance the driving experience for users.

In general, a software-defined vehicle refers to the ability to upgrade a vehicle over its lifetime through a centralized architecture that allows it to be updated and new applications to be integrated to enhance its features.

Could you share some examples of developments or innovations in the field of software-defined vehicles that are being implemented in Vratsa?

Ivelin: Speaking of software, it should be emphasized that for a car of the future to move autonomously, all its functions must be in constant correspondence with each other. This is done by the wired network, which is the car's circulatory system. And we at MD ELEKTRONIK are precisely concerned with ensuring the data transmission in the car's system.

Our highly automated produced Coax cables are able to transmit a frequency range of up to 6 GHz. This includes frequency channels from radio applications to the latest 5G cellular standard. The cables are also used to transmit data protocols, such as GMSL, Wi-Fi / Bluetooth, and FPD links. They are mainly used for camera and display applications.

What does it mean for the automotive industry that software is getting into the core of the cars?

Ivelin: The previous generation vehicles are not designed for software and functional updates throughout the life of the vehicle, but are primarily hardware driven, with software playing a secondary role. With SDVs (Software Defined Vehicles), the software is at the forefront, defining the vehicle's features and capabilities. This new type of cars are designed to connect to the internet, other vehicles, infrastructure, and more. They generate, collect, and analyze massive amounts of data for applications such as predictive maintenance, personalized experiences, and autonomous driving.

SDVs are transforming not only the vehicles themselves but the entire automotive industry. They are creating new business models, providing OEMs with unprecedented opportunities to differentiate themselves in a highly competitive market. It is also changing the car buying from a single transaction model to a recurring revenue structure for the manufacturer, as the systems integrated into the car will only be upgradable and improved through software intervention - much like the app updates on our mobile phones.

One of the newest business models that should be definitely noted is the "Vehicle as Platform" model, where the vehicle serves as a canvas for other companies to upgrade. For example, Ford is using the  MEB platform (a modular electric vehicle platform developed by Volkswagen Group and its subsidiaries) to produce its new compact crossover, the Ford Explorer. Here, car companies collaborate with software developers to integrate various services, such as entertainment, navigation, and e-commerce, into the vehicle's software infrastructure.

And what's the main difference drivers will notice?

Ivelin: For drivers, SDVs offer a personalized driving experience. Vehicles can be reconfigured and updated with new features through OTA (Over-The-Air) updates, eliminating the need for physical modifications. ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) or AI assistants contribute to road safety, reducing accidents and ensuring the well-being of the passengers.

Additionally, software-defined cars can optimize the performance, the fuel efficiency, and the overall driving experience with the help of AI and machine learning, which would lead to increasing consumer satisfaction and promoting brand loyalty.