Synopsys, Freescale help speed up automotive projects

Synopsys Inc. announced a virtualiser development kit (VDK) optimised for Freescale's S32V200 MCU family to help customers speed up their automotive system projects and deliver high-quality results to market. The VDK integrates ARM Fast Models for the dual-core, dual-cluster ARM Cortex-A53 processor and can be used with DS-5 Development Studio tools. In addition, the VDK also allows access to CogniVue's APEX sub-system model, a key element in developing algorithms based on the S32V2 series.

The VDK, developed through a collaboration between Freescale and Synopsys, uses the S32V234 virtual prototype as an embedded target for early and more efficient software development, integration and test of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Freescale has been venturing into Internet of Things (IoT) applications in the automotive industry, and the recent development of this VDK can help bring such technology to market.

"Our S32V series customers developing ADAS need software development solutions that will help accelerate system software integration and test," said Ray Cornyn, vice president of automotive engineering for Freescale's automotive microcontroller business. Cornyn said VDK helps ensure their "customers can accelerate automotive system development and rapidly deliver high quality software to market."

Synopsys VDK for the Freescale S32V200 MCU series

ADAS' functions require development, integration and testing of algorithms and software that interpret all sensor data and implement the behaviour of a skilled driver. To satisfy this requirement, the new VDK gives customers access to virtual prototypes that enable them to start software development using the pre-programmed tools and integrated third-party tools with support for automotive flows, virtual hardware-in-the-loop-based integration, and fault testing for ISO 26262. The kit can also be used with other Synopsys VDKs to simulate a network of electronic control units (ECUs).

"To manage the growth in software content and testing complexity of advanced driver assistance systems, development teams must start automotive system development earlier," said John Koeter, vice president of marketing for IP and prototyping at Synopsys. "Synopsys' collaboration with Freescale and IP partners provides automotive software developers with a 'one-stop shop' for VDKs to accelerate development, integration and test for their advanced automotive designs."