Part C: Building Blocks

In this section, we explore the foundational components that enable Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs) to transform the automotive industry. At the heart of this transformation lies the intricate interdependency between the Electrical/Electronic (E/E) Architecture and SDV.

E/E Architecture serves as the bridge connecting the mechanical systems of the vehicle, its power distribution network, and connectivity infrastructure with the software layers. It ensures that these traditionally hardware-dominated domains can support the dynamic, real-time demands of modern automotive software systems.

Meanwhile, SDVs build on this foundation by introducing software-enabled vehicle experiences, creating a seamless blend of hardware capabilities and advanced digital services. Together, E/E Architecture and SDVs form the backbone of the next generation of connected, intelligent vehicles.

In this chapter, we delve into the key building blocks of software-defined vehicles (SDVs), exploring the critical integration of modern E/E architectures, such as domain-centralized and zonal high-performance computing (HPC) systems, with SDV-enabling technologies. These include service-oriented architectures (SOA), container runtimes, vehicle APIs, functional safety measures, over-the-air (OTA) updates, and the transformative potential of vehicle app stores—all built on robust modern tech stacks.