HANSER automotive Topic Preview

Topics in this issue:

Focus: Software-Defined Vehicle

Formal Verification in Safety-Critical Automotive Software:
This technical article explains how the correctness of safety-critical automotive software can be mathematically proven using formal verification. Unlike traditional testing methods, this approach can reliably detect even hard-to-find errors such as undefined behavior or hidden vulnerabilities. The article highlights the role formal methods play in automotive software development, how they support functional safety, and why they are becoming increasingly important in light of rising software complexity.

Artificial Intelligence Is the Next Stage in the Evolution of the Software-Defined Vehicle:
This technical article examines how artificial intelligence is shaping the next stage in the evolution of the software-defined vehicle. It describes the shift toward software-centric vehicle architectures that continuously learn through AI and evolve via updates. The focus is on the growing demands on computing power, software platforms, and validation—from GenAI and large language models to cloud-native development processes and HIL/SIL testing. The article also demonstrates how AI is bringing about lasting changes to vehicle development and the user experience.

Zone Architectures and Intelligent Power Distribution:
This technical article explains why zone architectures are considered a key technology for the software-defined vehicle. It details how traditional E/E architectures can be replaced by central computing platforms, zone controllers, and software-defined power distribution. The focus is on intelligent eFuse concepts that monitor current flows, isolate faults, and optimize energy management. Furthermore, the article describes how wiring harnesses, weight, and system complexity can be reduced, and what conditions are necessary to create flexible, secure, and long-term updatable vehicle platforms.

Shaping Reliable Mobility at SDV Speed:
This technical article examines how software-defined vehicles can be developed rapidly without compromising functional safety, reliability, or cost-effectiveness. It demonstrates why traditional development processes are reaching their limits and explains the role played by scalable software platforms, end-to-end toolchains, and trustworthy system architectures. The focus is on how innovations and OTA updates can be accelerated throughout the entire vehicle lifecycle without compromising the safety of safety-critical functions.

SOVD – Vehicle Diagnostics for the Software-Defined Vehicle:
Vehicle diagnostics for the software-defined vehicle are undergoing a fundamental transformation. The focus is on the new ISO standard SOVD (Service-Oriented Vehicle Diagnostics), which extends traditional diagnostic methods with API-based and cloud-integrated approaches. Drawing on an initial production implementation at an international OEM, this presentation explains the benefits for remote diagnostics, OTA services, and backend integration. It also highlights the implications for E/E architectures as well as the opportunities for OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and tool providers.

Focus: Connectivity

Seamless vehicle connectivity thanks to satellite networks:
This article demonstrates how non-terrestrial networks (NTN) based on modern LEO satellite constellations and the 3GPP Release 17 standard can complement traditional in-vehicle cellular communication. The article explains the technical and regulatory challenges for OEMs, suppliers, and network operators, as well as the requirements for vehicle antennas, telematics control units, and RF components. It also describes the future significance of satellite-based connectivity for software-defined, autonomous, and globally connected vehicles.

Focus: Measurement, Testing, Diagnostics

The Right Approach for 3D Modal Analysis of Objects:
How to make 3D vibration analysis of small and medium-sized components significantly more efficient. Instead of complex robotic solutions, this approach relies on a motorized rotating platform, stationary laser vibrometers, and intelligent software. This allows vibrations to be automatically recorded and simulation models to be validated more quickly. The article explains the measurement process, the integration of CAD and FEM data, and the benefits for experimental modal analysis—from prototype development to failure analysis.

Next-Gen Vehicle Diagnostics for the Entire Vehicle Lifecycle:
The future of vehicle diagnostics lies in cloud-based, continuous monitoring of the vehicle fleet, which enables proactive and even predictive troubleshooting. With the integrated diagnostic products of Vehicle Diagnostics Solutions, ETAS offers a diagnostic platform that supports the entire vehicle lifecycle. The focus is on a modular architecture, support for the SOVD standard, and standardized toolchains for the reuse of diagnostic data. In addition, this article demonstrates how traditional diagnostic functions can be combined with condition-based monitoring, remote analysis, and predictive fault diagnosis to create a future-proof service platform.

(Subject to change)