Optimal test strategy for Clusters & CDCs in ever evolving multi power train vehicle ecosystem

Innovation in energy storage and generation system will lead to multiple power train solutions across the vehicle categories in the Automotive segment. With various options to the end consumer across different vehicle segments, the complexity associated with E/E Architecture and software engineering will be multi-fold both for the OEMs and Suppliers. Over the air updates shall become mandatory features to manage this complexity and to calibrate the vehicle features inline with changing trends and efficiency plus feature enhancements in post-market release scenarios. These upgrades are more common in digital clusters, in-vehicle entrainment and central digital cockpits. OEMs are introducing the vehicle platforms in multiple power train variants keeping comfort, instrument clusters and in-vehicle entertainment as core features across different power trains. A well-defined and managed comprehensive optimal test strategy and infrastructure will be critical to ensure seamless release of the software solutions to different power trains during the product development phase and post-launch software upgrades. In this novel work, we extensively explore the current practices of segregating features through common versus specific powertrains, managing the overall test strategy across varied test types, test data and test infrastructure; then address the advantages and challenges in our current practices. The paper would summarize the optimal test strategy in approaching the software development pipeline for a multi-powertrain architecture and focus specifically on early test-driven interventions for robust software deployment on production for both parallel and staggered release pipeline.