A part of FEV Group
Our Software & E/E Integration solution bridges the gap between two OEMs – integrating the powertrain of one OEM into the vehicle platform of another through a gateway
Used solutions
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Software & E/E integration
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A part of FEV Group
Introduction
Our Software & EE Integration solution bridges the gap between two OEMs – integrating the powertrain of one OEM into the vehicle platform of another through a gateway!
Cross-OEM collaborations and partnerships in various forms recently emerge as a definitive trend in the automotive industry. In this impact study, the powertrain of a german OEM was to be integrated into the vehicle chassis and EE architecture of a japanese OEM in order to leverage already established production and product placement synergies.
Background
Both OEMs desired a third, independent party to take care of the cross-plattform integration through a dedicated, newly developed gateway control unit. This integration partner was found with FEV, where project management and cutting-edge technical expertise meet within one company.
Approach
FEV was established as the overall project owner, responsible for coordinating and managing the integration of the powertrain in the targeted vehicle platform. The core of this implementation was the development of a new central gateway, which needed to merge two different worlds coming from two OEMs!
Key actions
Gateway Development
FEV developed the software and EE architecture for the complete gateway. Software development included requirements specification, architecture design and software implementation itself on an AUTOSAR classic stack – as well as rigorous verification & validation, partially as joint forces with both OEMs. The EE scope included definition of the network topology and communication matrix, mapping both worlds with each other and making sure that central drivers of development complexity such as existing functional safety concepts had to be modified only as little as possible.
Project Management and Coordination
As an independent third-party, FEV took over project management and coordination activities and made sure that both OEMs met on equal footing. Of course, being in-between two OEM powerhouses with each having their own interest and preferences was not an easy job, but the experienced and interdisciplinary team at FEV managed this challenge well!
Deliver for series production
Time and cost pressure, high expectations towards deliverables and a natural tension when nearing SOP (start of production) were an inevitable part of this project. Different working models (and timezones!) at both OEMs made alignment efforts difficult at times, but a dedicated project management office at FEV made sure that issues were raised, addressed and solved fast and efficiently!
Impact
The outcome:
- A success, represented by a gateway that connects the powertrain and vehicle platform of two different OEMs flawlessly with each other, while maintaining integrity with respect to essential topics such as functional safety and cybersecurity.
- No major delays or cost explosion, and both OEMs were able to launch confidently at their designated SOPs!
