Virtualization for automotive IVI systems

As the demand for modern in-vehicle infotainment systems grows, automakers are increasingly looking toward virtualization as a solution to bridge the gap between consumer and automotive electronics.

In the past, automotive audio systems were characterized by simple functionality, a simple tuner, minimal user interface, and little to no two-way communication channels. They were also closed, in the sense that all of the software was loaded pre-sale by the manufacturer and normally remained unchanged for the lifetime of the device. The amount of software was small.

Many modern in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems, however, are very different. Today's systems have sophisticated user interfaces, consisting of input keys or a touch screen, rearview cameras, audio, and high-resolution video outputs. Additionally, they combine many functions, including voice and data communication, productivity tools, media players, and games. They also support different wireless communication modes, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and infrared. Finally, they allow users to load data and even application programs or “apps.” The total amount of software running on today's devices is complex and large, measuring into the millions of lines of code.