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Software development for deeply embedded microcontrollers

The pulse of deeply embedded automotive software

Microcontroller programming is a cyclical routine task of OEMs and suppliers. The challenge is to adapt the software development process chain and make it as efficient as possible, while at the same time navigating a complex landscape of technical and regulatory challenges.

The image shows an ECU on a computer screen

With 30 years of expertise, we are more than just a partner – we are the pulse of deeply embedded automotive software and empower you to develop, calibrate, and validate software functions for deeply embedded microcontrollers. We push the boundaries of technology while staying rooted in the trust and reliability that our partners rely on. With a deep understanding of the automotive industry and multiple global achievements, we ensure your success is at the heart of everything we do.

Key challenges our customers are facing

We have identified the 5 biggest challenges our customers are facing when developing deeply embedded automotive software:

A complex automotive electronic system diagram showing the high integration effort required for modern vehicle technologies.

ECU software does not run in a vacuum but is part of a complex setup. Therefore, a significant challenge is the high integration effort, particularly when dealing with legacy systems. Often, extensive manual work is needed to ensure a flawless interaction between all components.

Implementing a middleware solution to abstract the software from the hardware layer is thus key to manage complexity.

Engineers collaborating on a complex automotive electronic system, emphasizing the time-consuming nature of testing and debugging in modern vehicle development.

Given the critical nature of automotive systems, testing and debugging can be time-consuming and complex, which reduces the speed of the development process, increases costs, and is highly resource-intensive.

By automating testing and using advanced data analysis tools, valuable resources can be used for the development of differentiating features.

An automotive engineer working with advanced calibration tools on a vehicle system, highlighting the complexity of calibration processes in modern automotive technology.

The time-consuming nature of calibration is a major challenge. This complexity often manifests itself in unproductive search and setup processes, coupled with a difficulty to understand calibration parameters, which can lead to errors.

To avoid potential mistakes, automated tools for data analysis and documentation streamline the calibration process for more consistency and reliability.

A depiction of an automotive development team facing scalability and flexibility challenges in software and hardware integration for modern vehicle systems.

Rigid software designs restrict modifications and extensions, thus complicating updates and the addition of new features.

To seamlessly integrate new features or adapt software efficiently to different architectures, modular designs and standardized interfaces ensure future-proof tool chains.

A cybersecurity expert analyzing data to ensure compliance with holistic cybersecurity requirements in modern automotive systems.

The diverse and evolving nature of cyber threats, including malware, hacking, and unauthorized access, complicates the task of securing ECU systems.A multi-layered security architecture and lightweight, efficient security protocols are key to protecting the increasingly connected and vulnerable vehicles.

Five major challenges in software development for automotive microcontrollers

A person holding a tablet displaying a digital whitepaper titled "Five major challenges in software development for automotive microcontrollers – A guide for vehicle manufacturers and suppliers." The screen shows a graphic of a heart surrounded by circuit elements and binary code, with the tagline "Our heart beats embedded."

Our white paper compiles the top five major challenges our customers are facing to facilitate a state-of-the-art automotive software development process. Download it now to learn more about the challenges along the process, which are described according to the specific process steps along the V-model and discover matching solutions.

We are your premier partner for automotive embedded systems

At ETAS, we help you tackle your major challenges and pain points with our deep automotive know-how. Our cutting-edge innovations boost performance, optimize efficiency, and deliver tangible results. We are committed to delivering solutions that our partners and customers can rely on.

The image shows a stylized heart. Dynamic lines leading away from it make it look like the heart is beating. It is accompanied by the words “Our heart beats embedded”.
  • Ready-to-use software for immediate deployment, reducing time-to-market and costs.
  • Seamless development through solutions that streamline workflows.
  • Easy, safe, and secure software integration with minimal disruption and maximum protection/performance.
  • Future-proof cybersecurity to protect vehicle data and comply with industry standards.
  • No vendor lock-in thanks to seamless integration with your hard- and software.
  • Proven customer satisfaction with billions of ECUs already built by our customers.

ETAS: deeply embedded commitment

Highlights from our commitment to delivering cutting-edge innovations and software solutions that our partners and customers can rely on – we are the perfect partner for your automotive software needs.

Worldwide, around-the-clock service

Our 24/7 global customer support resolves issues quickly and efficiently, keeping your projects on track.

100 % global

Most of the cars on the road worldwide were calibrated with our INCA calibration solution.

55% time saved

Calibration engineers saved 122 working hours per year using our EHANDBOOK.

Our solutions for your business success

Maximize the value of your software development process with our customizable, seamlessly integrated solutions. Our tools work perfectly together, fit into your existing toolchain, and are tailored to your specific needs. Enjoy cost-effective solutions that reduce project costs, save resources, and boost performance.

We offer OEMs and suppliers a solution bundle for the seamless integration of software and hardware, as well as comprehensive protection against cyber threats. Additionally, our virtual testing solutions enable early integration in the development lifecycle, resulting in reduced testing time and increased execution speed.

  • ETAS RTA-CAR (Classic AUTOSAR) is a tool set used for developing and configuring Classic AUTOSAR software components, enabling efficient integration, code generation, and validation for ECUs
  • ESCRYPT CycurHSM is an innovative and flexible HSM security firmware that ensures secure boot of the ECU, in-vehicle communication, ECU component protection, and flashing
  • ESCRYPT CycurLIB is a cryptographic library specifically geared to the requirements of embedded systems
  • Virtual ECUs to perform complex tests in early developmental stages

We provide modular tools and services for SIL testing in the cloud. These solutions enable the creation, debugging, and pre-calibration of virtual ECUs as well as the integration and simulation of virtual artefacts, executed in parallel in the cloud. Engineers can test and iterate even large sets of test cases, resulting in a drastic increase in efficiency and simulation speed. Moreover, the cloud-based solutions are scalable and support continuous integration and deployment of software, which is particularly important for modern development processes.

  • ETAS VECU-BUILDER is a tool to generate virtual ECUs for verification and validation of automotive microcontroller software in software-in-the-loop (SIL) setups
  • COSYM (CO-simulation of SYsteMs) is the powerful simulation and integration platform to test and validate software at system level in the early development phase
  • ESCRYPT CycurFUZZ is a state-of-the-art fuzz testing tool that helps meet current regulations and standards

Our seamless tool-coupling solution automates data search, analysis, and transmission. By integrating these proven products in one bundle, we boost the efficiency, accuracy, and team collaboration in ECU calibration and diagnostics.

  • ETAS EHANDBOOK provides new tools for the documentation of ECU software, displaying the logic of the functions interactively and graphically at different levels of abstraction
  • INCA (Integrated Calibration and Application Tool) contains flexible tools for the calibration, diagnostics, and validation of automotive electronic systems

Our solution bundle facilitates real-time validation of calibrations and rapid feedback, allowing for swift adjustments and high-quality outcomes. This integrated approach minimizes delays, enhances team collaboration, and accelerates development cycles, driving success in ECU projects and ensuring efficient project completion.

  • ETAS EHANDBOOK gives an instant access to detailed ECU documentation
  • ETAS MDA (Measure Data Analyzer) simplifies data analysis and visualization, uncovering trends and issues for precise calibration and optimized ECU performance
  • ETAS EATB (ETAS Analytics Toolbox) automates and streamlines testing, providing powerful analysis and reporting tools for comprehensive insights and informed decision making
  • ETAS ASCMO (Advanced Simulation for Calibration, Modelling, and Optimization) allows detailed simulation of ECU behavior and advanced calibration for higher performance and efficiency

Experience our solutions

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Curious how our tools can transform your business? Explore them in a personalized, on-demand demo.

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