In Brief Modern digital cockpits are complex systems-of-systems (SoS), necessitating meticulous software integration and comprehensive validation to ensure reliable, safe, and user-friendly in-vehicle experiences. Integration goes beyond simply combining software...
Success Story
Breaking New Ground in High-End Digital Instrument Cluster Market
Here is how Acsia entered the high-end digital instrument cluster market, leveraging advanced boot time optimization and human-machine interface development to significantly enhance functionality and user experience for a global automotive supplier.
Business & Technology Landscape
Key Trends:
Boot Time Optimization: Automotive manufacturers are striving to achieve faster boot times for IC/IVI systems, aiming to reduce industry norms from 10-30 seconds to less than 5 seconds.
Advanced Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI): The adoption of sophisticated HMI technologies, such as Rightware Kanzi, is crucial for creating seamless and intuitive user interfaces in digital clusters, infotainment systems, and heads-up displays (HUDs).
Real-Time Graphics and Performance: There is a growing need for real-time graphics rendering on constrained hardware platforms, driven by the desire to deliver high-quality animations and visual effects without compromising performance.
Customer Problem Statement
The leading Tier-I automotive supplier faced multiple challenges:
FastBoot Development: Required a Linux-based IC/IVI system with a boot time of just 1 second, a significant reduction from industry norms.
Kanzi Expertise: Needed deep expertise in Kanzi for developing advanced digital instrument clusters.
Animation and Boot Time Issues: Struggled with animation glitches and poor boot-up performance in a Kanzi-based instrument cluster for a sports car.
Acsia Solution
FastBoot Solution:
- Reduced boot time from 20 seconds to 6 seconds by optimizing Bootloader and Kernel configurations.
- Further reduced to 4.6 seconds by customizing the boot loader and optimizing the Kernel.
- Achieved a 1.2-second boot time using innovative, proprietary techniques.
Kanzi-Based HMI Development:
- Acsia’s team underwent advanced training in Kanzi at Rightware, Finland, earning the Rightware Partner title.
- Built a strong partnership with Rightware, enhancing their expertise in Kanzi for IC development.
Sports Car Project:
- Resolved a long-standing animation glitch within a week.
- Reduced boot-up time from 7.5 seconds to 4.5 seconds in three months.
Cluster Program:
- Developed the full instrument cluster software stack and HMI layer in Kanzi for five variants.
- Implemented a “Problem-based Training” methodology for efficient team ramp-up.
- Took on complete development responsibility, including sprint planning, handling change requests, and bug fixing.
Business Outcome & Impact
- Achieved Faster Boot Times: Delivered a boot time of 1.2 seconds, setting a new industry standard.
Enhanced Customer Experience: Solved critical animation and boot performance issues, meeting OEM targets and improving user satisfaction.
Successful Project Completion: Helped the Tier-I supplier meet critical production milestones, ensuring timely vehicle rollouts.
Strengthened Partnerships: Built a strong relationship with Rightware and established Acsia as a trusted problem solver in the automotive software domain.
Key Learning
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Deep Expertise in Boot Time Optimization: Demonstrated ability to significantly reduce boot times through innovative techniques.
Mastery of Kanzi for HMI Development: Advanced training and partnership with Rightware enhanced Acsia’s capabilities in developing sophisticated digital clusters.
Effective Problem-Solving: Successfully resolved complex technical issues quickly, establishing a reputation for reliability and expertise.
Efficient Team Ramp-Up: Implemented effective training methodologies to quickly scale up and meet project demands.
Complete Development Responsibility: Proven capability to handle comprehensive development tasks, from planning to execution, ensuring project success.