Automotive software design accelerates with microcontroller platform

The traditional approach for software development has been to rely on AUTOSAR for automotive- grade drivers, however, not all applications require it. The alternative route is self-development which is labour-intensive, adds qualification requirements and diverts critical resources.

As ECU complexity increases, maintaining high-quality software and meeting time-to-market requirements can only be achieved through use of mature, validated sub-system components.

Minimised software complexity
NXP is utilising its years of experience in delivering professionally maintained automotive-grade software to minimise development complexity for a broad range of customers regardless of its development approach. 

In applications where the use of AUTOSAR is not mandated, NXP is providing an alternative, turn-key option for self-development with a free-of-charge, pre-qualified, automotive-grade Software Development Kit (SDK) that enables rapid prototyping with simple drag and drop functionality. It includes:

• MISRA and SPICE Level 3 compliant Low-Level Drivers (LLDs) for all peripherals
• Optional application-specific middleware for LIN, NFC and touch sensing
• FreeRTOS operating system
• Drivers for complementary NXP ICs for faster application bring-up and production readiness e.g. System Basis Chip (SBC) drivers
• Documented source code and out-of-the-box examples eliminating the need for device documentation during application bring-up

The SDK is pre-installed in NXP’s free S32 Design Studio (DS), an Eclipse-based Integrated Development Environment (IDE) supporting multiple compiler and debugger options.

For AUTOSAR applications, NXP standard MCAL and OS support has been expanded with new Complex Device Drivers (CDD) and a new S32K starter kit from ARCCORE significantly lowering cost and complexity barriers to adoption. It is available free of charge for evaluation.

Future-proof hardware
Unlike existing solutions that require multiple MCU platforms to cover a similar range, the initial S32K1 family will span 128KB-2MB of flash memory based on high performance ARM Cortex-M cores. All family members include ISO CAN FD, CSEc hardware security, ASIL-B support and ultra-low-power performance. This scalable approach, combined with common package strategy and production grade software, maximises reuse allowing customers to react quickly to changing market requirements.

Manuel Alves, General Manager GPIS products in NXP’s Automotive Microcontroller and Processors Business Line, said: “S32K marks an inflection point in NXP’s automotive MCU strategy. We are transitioning from multiple proprietary architectures to a continuous ARM Cortex MCU portfolio combining future-proof hardware with software differentiation.”

“The S32K’s software and tool support from NXP and multiple ARM ecosystem partners, enables fast time-to-market for developers of all experience levels,” said Paul Lee, Global Distribution Marketing Manager for NXP’s Automotive Microcontroller and Processors Business Line. “Furthermore, the significant investment in automotive-grade software sets a new standard for an MCU supplier.”