RTI announces Connext Drive 2.0, the production-grade connectivity framework for software-defined vehicles

This allows a faster start to build on existing, familiar platforms and eliminates the need for custom programming. It also minimises overall system complexity and cost, while building a future-proof, evolving system that doesn’t compromise performance. 

Connext Drive 2.0 offers an accelerated path to deliver high performance compute capabilities via safety-certification components and teleoperation plug-ins. Connext Drive is based on the Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard, the leading data connectivity standard that has also been adopted by Automotive standard organisations, AUTOSAR and ROS. This will help OEMs rapidly design multiple vehicle architectures by selecting the optimal features and functions for any specific use case.

New Connext Drive 2.0 features include:

• Connext Integration Toolkit for AUTOSAR Classic: includes a set of tools bridging AUTOSAR Classic ECU modeling and configuration workflows with RTI Connext Drive 2.0 for rapid and scalable communication of embedded, real-time and secure systems. This integration simplifies the design and evolution of DDS-enabled automotive ECUs.
• Connext ROS 2 Toolkit: includes a growing library of tools that eases ROS 2 and Connext Drive ecosystem integration, providing ROS 2 developers with a bridge to production-grade systems. Through this integration, users can slash latency in their ROS 2 systems through a custom ROS Middleware Wrapper developed by RTI. 
• Connext Drive Launcher: helps users design a vehicle according to a specific use case, including Next Generation E/E, ADAS, Teleoperations, Simulation or High Performance Compute. By selecting the optimal features for a specific use case, developers achieve increased productivity and accelerated time to market. Users can now ease project development with direct access to the full set of utilities, services and tools available in Connext Drive. 

With the announcement, Connext Drive 2.0 includes components safety-certified to ASIL D levels by TUV SUD – the highest level of software certification – ensuring functional vehicle safety to the needs of each individual component, from the ECU to the Central Gateways. Additionally, it now includes interoperability with two popular Real-Time Operating Systems: QNX for Safety over armv8; and AUTOSAR Classic OS implementation over Infineon TriCore, offering a reliable and low-risk path to safe, production-grade vehicles. Connext Drive 2.0 is in production vehicles on the road in the US, Europe and Asia.

"RTI Connext Drive helps address a fundamental challenge for the vehicle of tomorrow by providing a data-centric architecture," said Nelson Quintana, Head of the Infineon Automotive Silicon Valley Innovation Center (SVIC). "We recognise the value of such technology and look forward to expanding our cooperation with RTI to bring its DDS-based technology, combined with Infineon's leading automotive microcontroller portfolio including the AURIX family, to enable next-generation E/E architectures."

“Connext Drive 2.0 reinforces the market commitment from RTI by initiating a use-case driven product,” said Pedro Lopez Estepa, Market Development Director, Automotive at RTI. “At RTI, we’re dedicated to helping our customers overcome the current architectural limitations in automotive with a product that secures several annual releases including a long-term safety-certified modular solution to enable Autonomous and Electric Vehicle innovation.”