Connected Car News: Renesas, GeoTab, Rambus, Zubie, Aperia & E.C.D. Automotive Design

In connected car news are, Renesas, GeoTab, Rambus, Zubie, Aperia and E.C.D. Automotive Design.

Renesas Intros News SoC

Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE:6723), a premier supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions,  announced the R-Car V4H system on chip (SoC) for central processing in advanced driver-assistance (ADAS) and automated driving (AD) solutions. The R-Car V4H achieves deep learning performance of up to 34 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second), enabling high-speed image recognition and processing of surrounding objects by automotive cameras, radar, and lidar.

The R-Car V4H enables market-leading performance per watt through a careful combination of best-in-class IP and expert HW optimization. It targets the highest volume zones of automated driving: Level 2+ and Level 3.

Thanks to a high level of integration, the R-Car V4H allows customers to develop cost-competitive, single-chip, ADAS electric control units (ECUs). These control units may support driving systems appropriate for automated driving Levels 2+ and Level 3, including full NCAP 2025 features. The R-Car V4H also supports surround view and automatic parking functions with impressive 3D visualization effects such as realistic rendering.

“We have seen excellent customer response to our R-Car V3H and V3M with high volume production, and we are pleased to extend our offering with the R-Car V4H,” said Naoki Yoshida, Vice President, Automotive Digital Products Marketing Division at Renesas. “As Renesas expands its scalable R-Car portfolio, we expect to see cutting-edge ADAS adopted in all vehicle types, from mid-range to entry-level.”

Winning Combo Solution Supports the Industry’s Stringent ASIL Requirements

Regarding ISO 26262 functional safety, the SoC development process targets ASIL D systematic capability for all safety relevant IP. The signal processing portion of the R-Car V4H is expected to achieve ASIL B and D metrics for the real time domain.

Furthermore, Renesas provides a dedicated power solution for R-Car V4H based around the RAA271041 pre-regulator and the RAA271005 PMIC. This enables a highly reliable power supply for the R-Car V4H and peripheral memories from the 12V supply of the vehicle battery. These features enable low power operation while targeting ASIL D compliance for systematic and random hardware faults at very low BOM cost. This helps to minimize the effort of hardware and software development while reducing design complexity, cost, and time to market.

Embedded Software Platform Development Paving the Way to the Software-Defined Car

An R-Car V4H software development kit (SDK) is also available to perform faster and easier initial device evaluation, and software development including deep learning. The SDK offers full functionality for machine learning development, and optimization of embedded systems for performance, power efficiency, and functional safety. Complete simulation models are available, and the Renesas operating system agnostic software platform enables easier development of the software-defined car.

In case of development from scratch, Fixstars’ Genesis platform enables engineers to evaluate R-Car from anywhere via their cloud solution and can provide quick and easy CNN benchmark results.

Key Features of R-Car V4H

  • Four Arm® Cortex®-A76 at 1.8 Ghz for a total of 49KDMIPS of general compute for ADAS / AD applications
  • Three lockstep Arm® Cortex®-R52 cores at 1.4 Ghz, for a total of 9KDMIPS to support ASIL D real-time operation and eliminate the need for external microcontrollers
  • Dedicated Deep Learning & Computer Vision I/Ps with overall performance of 34 TOPS
  • Image Signal Processor (ISP) with parallel processing for machine and human vision
  • Image renderer (IMR) for fisheye distortion correction or other mathematical operation
  • Graphic processor Unit (GPU) AXM-8-256 @ 600MHz, for a total of over 150 GFLOPS
  • Dedicated automotive Interfaces: CAN, Ethernet AVB, TSN and FlexRay
  • Two fourth generation PCIe interfaces

Availability

Samples of the R-Car V4H SoC are available now, with mass production scheduled for the second quarter of 2024. More information is available at renesas.com/r-car-V4H.

Geotab Partners with Free2move and Stellantis

Geotab, a global leader in IoT and connected transportation announced its partnership with Free2move, the global fleet, mobility & connected data company of Stellantis. Through this partnership, Geotab plans to deliver a Geotab Integrated Solution for Stellantis brand vehicles in North America, including eligible Ram, Dodge, Jeep® and Chrysler. The collaborative solution announced at Work Truck Week 2022 will utilize embedded telematics in Stellantis vehicles, to enable the seamless integration of vehicle data from Free2move servers into the MyGeotabTM platform. With access to one unified and easy-to-use telematics dashboard, fleet managers can generate reports and measure key metrics to help optimize fleet performance and improve mobility.

The embedded telematics device provides fleet owners with Stellantis made vehicles with access to rich data insights and Geotab’s fleet management services on one convenient platform, helping fleets improve productivity, compliance and safety. With no additional hardware or installation required, fleets can also reduce costs and maximize uptime, boosting profitably and increasing efficiency. The solution also presents the benefit of access to the Geotab Marketplace, a portfolio of mobile apps, hardware Add-Ons and software Add-Ins that enable Geotab customers to tailor their fleet management solutions further.

Launching later this year, the solution will be compatible with eligible connected Stellantis brand vehicles including select 2018 and newer models and all 2022 and newer models, through a basic or premium connectivity plan. The solution will be available starting in the U.S., with plans for global availability in the coming years.

Rambus Intros HSM

-Rambus Inc. (NASDAQ: RMBS), a premier chip and silicon IP provider making data faster and safer, announced that the Rambus Root of Trust RT-640 Embedded Hardware Security Module (HSM) has received Automotive Safety Integrity Level B (ASIL-B) certification per the ISO 26262 international standard. Certified ASIL-B compliance is a critical requirement for automotive manufacturers and their suppliers to ensure vehicle systems meet necessary safety levels. As Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) become increasingly ubiquitous, it is imperative that vehicle electronic systems and data be protected from cyberattack and system malfunction. By integrating the Rambus RT-640 Embedded HSM, automotive SoC makers are able to accelerate the process of achieving functional safety requirements with proven, certified security IP.

“Increasingly sophisticated automotive systems must be both functionally safe and resilient to cyberattack,” said Neeraj Paliwal, general manager of Security IP at Rambus. “With the Rambus RT-640 Embedded HSM, automotive manufacturers get the best of both worlds: robust cybersecurity anchored in hardware with the assurance of ASIL-B functional safety. We have already achieved multiple design wins for the RT-640 across the globe, and it has tremendous traction in the new centralized automotive architecture across ADAS and sensors such as cameras, lidar and radar.”

Rambus is the leading supplier of security IP with the industry’s broadest portfolio of solutions. With nearly 200 design wins in the past three years, Rambus has proven security IP solutions for every application from consumer IoT to mission-critical defense electronics. With certified solutions such as the RT-640 Embedded HSM, chip and device makers can implement state-of-the-art security, meet industry-specified requirements, and reduce time to market.

Ensuring Functional Safety with ISO 26262 ASIL-B

Specified under ISO 26262, ASIL-B is a risk classification defined for functional safety of road vehicles. ASIL levels are assigned by performing risk analysis of potential hazards by examining various risk parameters such as severity, exposure and controllability of the vehicle operating scenario. In addition to the RT-640 HSM ASIL-B certification, the Rambus hardware and software development organizations have demonstrated to have the qualification, knowledge, and expertise required for the automotive industry and therefore have been certified to operate in accordance with ISO 26262:2018 standard ASIL-B for development and support processes.

While developing ADAS, automotive electronics makers are building complex SoCs, replacing discrete secure processor elements with ISO 26262-certified synthesizable IP and software. The Rambus RT-640 is the first programmable automotive grade Hardware Root of Trust IP solution on the market to reach this certified status. Customers can integrate the RT-640 as-is and focus on their own automotive security application without affecting the RT-640 certificate.

Integrated into an automotive SoC, the ASIL-B certified RT-640 silicon IP design provides powerful cryptographic functions, state-of-the-art safety mechanisms and anti-tamper technologies to protect critical automotive electronics and data. This robust cybersecurity solution has been certified by TÜV-SGS 26262 ASIL-B functional safety. The ASIL-B certificate guarantees that all safety mechanisms are implemented and verified correctly, meet and exceed the required safety integrity levels and are supported with the ISO 26262 required evidence.

The certified RT-640 Embedded HSM key features include:

  • Fully programmable, purpose-built security processor with hardware enforced security and privilege levels
  • High-performance cryptographic accelerators for RSA, ECC, AES, HMAC and SHA-2
  • NIST SP 800-90 compliant random bit generator
  • Hardware enforced security with state-of-the-art protection from side channel and tampering attacks
  • ASIL-B safety mechanisms in the HW and SW implementation

Zubie Installed Base Grows

Zubie used their position as a pioneer in the rental telematics industry to achieve significant growth in 2021. Their understanding of the rental landscape and how to equip clients with the best fleet management tools were instrumental in this success.

CRO Mark Novak says, “We put ourselves in our client’s shoes and thought What would be important to a rental operator?”  He attributes the company’s success to four factors:

  1. Zubie’s speed and accuracy in capturing vehicle locations for recovery via its Location Link.
  2. Proprietary technology that reports fuel use and odometer use for 99% of vehicles in a fleet.
  3. A robust API with limitless opportunity for data use and analysis.
  4. Unparalleled customer service and support with a dedicated team for onboarding new clients.

Since late 2018/ early 2019 Zubie has been expanding its fleet connect capabilities to the rental market. By focusing on the needs of the rental industry, they’ve doubled their growth in the past year. They’re dedicated to providing rental operators with the latest and most versatile tools to manage their fleets. Zubie pushes the possibilities of vehicle telematics in exciting new ways while maintaining a user-friendly platform where clients can easily access game-changing data.

Aperia Tech Halo Connect 2.0 Tire Management

Aperia Technologies Inc., a leading supplier of tire management technologies that improve the safety and efficiency of commercial vehicles, announced the launch of Halo Connect 2.0, the latest evolution in the company’s comprehensive tire management platform.

“Dozens of trade-offs need to be considered when designing the right cradle-to-grave fleet tire management strategy,” said Josh Carter, CEO of Aperia Technologies. “Halo Connect now couples deep historical tire health insights with fleet-specific inputs to deliver transformative tire management solutions customized to each client.”

Halo Connect is a cradle-to-grave connected tire management platform that allows fleets to virtually eliminate unplanned tire-related downtime, reduce tire costs per mile, and engender driver confidence by pairing machine learning with active inflation.

“Aperia’s tire analytics engine leapfrogs existing technologies that simply provide tire pressure alerting,” continued Carter. “By considering the business and operational context necessary to deliver actionable alerting, Halo Connect enables fleets to get every cent they paid for out of their tires and tire technology investments.”

Powered by more than 50 billion miles of real-world fleet tire data, Halo Connect’s proprietary tire analytics engine uses machine learning to characterize the many interrelated and competing variables that affect and inform tire-related maintenance and strategic decisions, effectively enabling fleets to shift from flying blind with a reactive tire service model to confidently executing a proactive service model that optimizes uptime and tire maintenance cost.

Halo Connect is the only active tire management platform for all wheel positions, and the platform now includes key modules to help fleets optimize decision-making and cost across the tire lifecycle. First introduced in 2019, Halo Connect works in tandem with Halo Tire Inflator, a revolutionary automatic tire inflation system for trucks and trailers that installs in minutes. The platform is compatible with all vehicle makes and models, and is available through major OEMs, a network of partners, and directly from Aperia. With the Halo Connect Plan, Halo Connect 2.0 can be purchased as an asset or as a subscription service.

Aperia Technologies will demo the Halo Connect 2.0 at this week’s TMC Annual Meeting.

Alto Sixth Round of Funding

Alto, a leader in mobility and the world’s largest on-demand, employee-based rideshare company, is announcing its official launch in Silicon Valley. This is the company’s sixth market launch since its founding in 2018. The expansion follows Alto’s $45 million Series B fundraise last summer. Alto has grown 700 percent in the past year and also operates in Los AngelesHoustonMiamiDallas, and Washington DC.

E.C.D. Automotive Design (E.C.D.) Photorealistic Automotive Design

 E.C.D. Automotive Design (E.C.D.) introduces its latest groundbreaking innovation in its bespoke luxury car design process. Positioning itself on the cutting edge of virtual trends within the automotive industry, E.C.D. now crafts a photorealistic design video of each client’s unique custom build, allowing them to visualize their dream car months ahead of completion. Created with 3D creation tool Unreal Engine by Epic Games, the lifelike animation with dynamic physics and lighting effects looks like something out of a film or video game. Click HERE to view a 3D design video of a custom Defender build.

E.C.D. is the world’s largest Land Rover restoration company specializing in customizing 25-year-old vintage Defenders and classic Range Rovers into modernized luxury vehicles that celebrate the creativity and style of each client while preserving the beloved rugged charm of traditional Land Rovers. Each E.C.D. vehicle is an individually crafted artwork, rebuilt in-house from the chassis and up and personalized down to the seat stitching so that no two on the road are ever the same.

E.C.D. offers an infinite range of custom features for its clientele to choose from. After selecting from E.C.D.’s range of classic Land Rover models – be it a Defender 90, Defender 110, Defender 130, Series IIA or a Range Rover Classic – clients make further customizations from body style to paint to tire and wheel specifications and much more, along with a long list of accessory options such as grilles, roll cages and winches to name a few. Most notably, clients can select from up to nine different drivetrain solutions – including a 450 HP Tesla electric motor. For the interior, clients also select the seat configuration and style, audio and infotainment systems, and have a wide selection of leather and stitching colors to create something truly individual.

Once clients finalize their personalized design, a 3D model of the car is digitally rendered with a variety of programs and powered by Unreal Engine. A design video is then created with the model, teasing the upcoming build. The cinematic video includes pans of the exterior, shots of the interior and graphical callouts that point out key features of the personalized build. High fidelity textures, accurate lighting and dynamic shadows make it look both stunning and immersive. As one of the most popular software frameworks in the gaming industry, Unreal Engine was used for well-known titles like Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition and Fortnite. Unreal Engine is also widely used in film and television with Academy Award-winning Ford v Ferrari and Disney’s The Mandalorian all implementing it as a CGI tool.

“It’s crazy powerful software that places E.C.D. at the forefront of automotive design and ahead of the curve when compared to other boutique car builders,” said Tyler Godby, 3D artist and developer for E.C.D. “With Unreal Engine, the visual fidelity has increased exponentially. Everything from the way the light shines to the reflections in the glass contribute to making the videos look realistic and not something out of an old video game.”

Godby has been doing 3D modeling and design both as a hobby and professionally for over 20 years. Since joining E.C.D., he has spearheaded improvements to E.C.D.’s proprietary 3D rendering software and rolled out the implementation of Unreal Engine for the design videos. Godby uses a custom-built PC with an Intel processor and Nvidia 3070 card – equipment typical of game developers – for his design videos.

Soon to come are more detailed, realistic environments and weather effects that will only enhance E.C.D.’s one-to-one experience. For example, if a client is based in Colorado, the design video will feature their restored Defender with a photorealistic mountain background. Drifting snow will pile on the hood of their vehicle, simulating how the vehicle will look in everyday life. The 3D model can even be incorporated into a photo background, seamlessly inserted into a picture of the client’s driveway next to current vehicles.

“The possibilities truly are endless with this technology, and it’ll only enhance the service that we offer to our clients,” said E.C.D. Co-Founder Scott Wallace. “We plan to use the engine to create an interactive online configurator that clients can play with. They can zoom in and out and make any updates to their build in-real time, tweaking the paint color, the seat leather type and more with just a few clicks.”