In connected car news are Renesas, CCC, Peterbilt, Marvell and Continental.
MulticoreWare Joins Renesas R-Car
MulticoreWare Inc, a leading global technology company offering Software Products, Solutions & Engineering Services, is pleased to announce that it has joined the Renesas R-Car Consortium.
This consortium serves as a dynamic platform for industry leaders developing with Renesas R-Car SoCs to collaborate and innovate within the realms of Connected Car, ADAS, and Gateway markets. As a partner, MulticoreWare is uniquely positioned to offer its expertise and advanced solutions such as advanced 3D Sensing, Imaging Radar & ISP Tuning, AI/ML models & frameworks, to drive progress in Middleware/Applications, System Integration, and Consulting.
Vish Rajalingam, Vice President & General Manager, Mobility & Transportation BU, MulticoreWare said, “MulticoreWare is excited to collaborate with Renesas and contribute our expertise in optimizing and quantizing AI models for compute-intensive ADAS and In-Cabin applications to the R-Car Consortium. Beyond AI deployment, our team’s strengths in Embedded Software & RTOS, Radar Data Processing, and Camera ISP Tuning will empower us to transform innovation into high-performance real-world use cases on Renesas SoCs.”
The R-Car Consortium fosters a versatile and diverse collaborative setting that unites system integrators, middleware/application developers, operating systems, and tool vendors. Renesas, a global leader in automotive semiconductors, offers highly reliable and technically advanced SoCs, coupled with comprehensive development assistance. This ensures that customers can acquire solutions precisely tailored to their requirements. Consortium members benefit from receiving evaluation boards and software, which aid in the collaborative development of advanced solutions.
Mandali Khalesi, Vice President, AI & Cloud of Renesas said, “It is a pleasure to welcome MulticoreWare to the R-Car Consortium. MulticoreWare teams have shown extensive expertise in AI optimization, model integration, and deployment on R-Car V4H Platforms. I look forward to MulticoreWare’s continued support for Renesas and our customers in the areas of AI and embedded software.”
CCC Tests CCC Digital Key 3 1.1.3
The Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC), a cross-industry organization focused on the development of smartphone-to-car connectivity solutions, announced it gathered in Ulm, Germany this past week to test the latest version of the CCC Digital Key™ specification, release 3 version 1.1.3. This was the eighth Plugfest for this organization and its members, which included participants from BYD, CARIAD, COMPRION, Continental, Google, Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH, Marquardt GmbH, and Qualcomm and served to further refine the CCC Digital Key applications, enhancing implementations, specifications, test suites, and tools.
With the CCC Digital Key Certification for NFC implementation live and the first products to reach certification expected very soon, this Plugfest focused on incorporating ultra-wideband (UWB) and Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) into the next CCC Digital Key Certification, building on the capabilities already included in the current program. This will provide precision and uncompromising security for vehicle access and also open doors for the development of additional applications for connected vehicles.
“The automotive industry has worked for decades to make the driving experience more convenient through digital technologies. But unlocking the full potential of digital key, and accessibility technologies across the board, depends on a universally interoperable and secure standard,” said Alysia Johnson, president of the CCC. “As an organization committed to driving global progress, we remain steadfast in our dedication to creating that standard and are thrilled to have spent time collaborating in Germany, a hub for innovation and excellence.”
“We believe vehicle-to-device access will soon be a standard, expected feature for consumers, and to do this, we must be able to deliver a seamless user experience and ensure security,” emphasized Dirk Hassert, development expert at Mercedes-Benz AG. “The work done to incorporate UWB and BLE, here in Ulm and ongoing as a larger membership, makes certain we can optimize value for consumers and provide fully interoperable, secure implementations. We’re excited for the progress we made this past week and look forward to our continued advancements.”
The next CCC Plugfest will be held June 17-21 in Hefei, China, hosted by Volkswagen Group (China) Technology Company Limited.
New Peterbilt Digital Vision System-Mirrors
Peterbilt announced the introduction of its new Digital Vision System-Mirrors (DVS-M) in the Models 579 and 567 to maximize driver visibility and safety.
The DVS-M is an intuitive digital solution that uses one High Dynamic Range (HDR) camera integrated into the driver side mirror head and two HDR cameras integrated into the passenger side mirror head. All three cameras feature hydrophobic lenses to repel water, ice and dust which ensures visibility during harsh conditions. Cameras controlled by the joystick interface are viewed on two large high-definition interior monitors. The driver side monitor is 12.3-inches, and the passenger side monitor is 15-inches; both are strategically placed on the A-Pillars to avoid disruption in windshield visibility and to allow continued use of standard glass. The monitors can be viewed in three layouts: Traditional, Panoramic or Expanded and also feature Vision Enhancements which include Automatic Trailer Tracking and Panning, Infrared Night Vision and Clear Inclement Weather Vision.
“Peterbilt sets new standards for performance and safety with purposeful innovation. Our Digital Vision System-Mirrors aligns with this commitment and reflects how we successfully leverage leading technology to enhance our products and elevate the overall driving experience for our customers,” said Jake Montero Peterbilt assistant general manager, sales and marketing.
The DVS-M helps to improve driver safety by reducing blind spots on the road, providing clear visibility during inclement weather and by reducing the distraction of headlight glare at night.
Other unique features of the DVS-M include a fuel savings of up to 1.5% due to a smaller side mirror design and an automatic camera defrost when temperatures reach below 43°F.
Marvell Award Winner
Marvell Technology, Inc., a leader in data infrastructure semiconductor solutions, today announced that General Motors has named it one of just eight 2023 Overdrive Award winners.
Overdrive and other award recipients are selected by a global, cross-functional GM team based on performance, innovation, cultural alignment with GM’s values, and commitment to achieving GM’s ambitious goals. The Overdrive Award recognizes exceptional suppliers who consistently exceed expectations in their partnership with GM. GM recognized Marvell in the area of resilience, noting the company provided “steadfast support and immediate response to critical situations” and “demonstrated excellence in prioritizing resiliency.”
Continental Digital Key for Mercedes-Benz
Continental supplies important components and products for the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class. With Continental’s smart device-based access solution (CoSmA for short), the technology company offers an access system that turns mobile devices such as smartphones or smartwatches into car keys. The technology enables a convenient user experience in keeping with the digital age. For the first time, Continental is providing a complete system that ensures comprehensive interaction between the digital ecosystems of the vehicle, smart devices and the cloud.
Smart end devices enable convenient and secure access
The built-in smart device-based CoSmA access system is a core component of the digital car key. The ultra-wideband (UWB) technology used allows mobile devices such as smartphones or smart watches to open and start the vehicle automatically (hands-free).
“We are the driving force for our customers to efficiently and holistically advance complex topics such as sustainable vehicle digitalization with the help of relevant products. With the CoSmA keyless access system, we are providing a complete system that includes all hardware and software components for the first time,” explains Philipp von Hirschheydt, member of the Executive Board responsible for the Automotive division at Continental.
Vehicle owners can create and manage several digital keys at the same time without having to pass on a physical key. This means that the vehicle can be conveniently shared with family members and friends by transmitting the virtual key to other people. The vehicle owner can assign various rights and thus specify, for example, that a person can only open the vehicle but not drive it.
The system recognizes valid virtual keys stored on a device and initiates authentication via Bluetooth Low Energy, a particularly energy-saving variant of the Bluetooth standard that is capable of being continuously active in the background. If this is successful, the precise position of the smart device is then determined to the centimeter using UWB technology. The vehicle then only unlocks if the device is in within the defined vehicle area. This highly accurate signal localization prevents the radio signal from being intercepted for abusive purposes. It is also only possible to start the engine once the verified end device has been recognized inside the vehicle. The CoSmA system is fully compatible with the specifications of the cross-industry Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC), in which car manufacturers, manufacturers of smart devices and technology companies have joined forces to advance the communication and integration of mobile devices and vehicles.
For the first time, Continental is supplying Mercedes-Benz AG with the complete CoSmA system comprising a central control unit, transceivers featuring ultra-wideband radio technology and intelligent software.
Intelligent Continental technologies for the highest level of safety
Intelligent systems help to prevent accidents in advance and enhance driving comfort. In the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a powerful long-range radar from Continental is used to reliably provide advanced driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control and emergency brake assist with data on vehicles and obstacles ahead. Another electronic safety component from Continental is the telematics control unit installed in the vehicle, which ensures smooth data exchange with mobile phone networks and also enables safety-relevant functions such as automatic emergency call (eCall).
Intelligent control of the adaptive air suspension is achieved through the Continental Air Supply (CAirS) system, a highly integrated control unit that combines a compressor, valve block and electronic control unit in a single module. The system software is specially adapted for use in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and enables the air suspension to be optimally adjusted in every situation to provide an ideal combination of comfort and outstanding driving stability in any traffic situation.
Comfortable and safe maneuvering is guaranteed at all times, even in situations with poor visibility, thanks to a seamless panoramic view provided by surround view cameras from the Continental portfolio. Furthermore, the technology company’s light control units ensure excellent road illumination thanks to intelligent control of the full LED headlights.
Safe on the road with factory-installed Continental tires
For safe, quiet and energy-saving driving, the premium manufacturer delivers the vehicle factory-fitted with Continental EcoContact 6 Q tires. This tire scores points due to its high mileage and low energy consumption. This is made possible by a special rubber compound. It reduces the energy absorption of the tire while driving and thus reduces friction as well as rolling resistance. Moreover, the EcoContact 6 Q impresses with low rolling noise, reliable grip and excellent cornering stability, even at high speeds. The Continental WinterContact TS 860 S tire is also available for the winter season. This winter tire stands for precise handling in cold temperatures on dry and wet roads.
Enduring beauty: innovative surface materials make the interior particularly easy to clean and durable
Innovative and sustainable surface material from the Continental portfolio characterizes the interior. Acella synthetic leather with staynu technology is used for the seats: an advanced technology that makes the surface material almost completely resistant to soiling. The sustainable Acella upholstery material for the door and control panels is made from up to 30 percent recycled PET plastic bottles.