OTA specifications unify software updates for cars
Members of the eSync Alliance are primarily tier-one manufacturers such as Alpine, Excelfore, HELLA, Molex and ZF and others. The alliance is an open industry initiative founded to build a secure, vendor-independent path for end-to-end OTA updating and data services for the networked vehicle through a global network of cooperating suppliers.
“With the release of version 1.0 of the Compliance Specifications, each member of the eSync Alliance can now develop eSync-compliant components of the architecture – whether server, client or agent – that can be easily, quickly and reliably integrated into a complete eSync platform“, explained Rick Kreifeldt, Executive Director of the eSync Alliance.
To significantly reduce the rising cost of recalls, an OTA platform must reach all the ECUs and sensors of a modern car. This is the crux of the matter: the time and financial costs of using proprietary technologies are simply too high – the industry needs a standardized OTA data pipeline, as offered by the specifications of the eSync Alliance.
The specifications now presented provide a standardized mechanism for remotely installing updates and collecting real-time data from all electronic devices in the networked vehicle. The set of rules consists of nearly 400 pages, divided into Architecture, Requirements, Interfaces and Security sections. The specifications allow Tier 1 suppliers to provide “prepared” products for OTA that can be easily integrated into the entire vehicle’s OTA platform. Several vendors can now offer eSync-compliant OTA server solutions, or alternatively automotive manufacturers can develop or customize their own proprietary cloud solutions to become eSync-compliant.
The eSync platform helps avoid costly and unpleasant vehicle recalls that plague the automotive industry. In 2016, the cost of software recalls was estimated at $3 billion in the U.S. alone. The new specifications also offer automotive manufacturers the opportunity to offer ongoing functional improvements for vehicles in the field.
The system uses a unique server-client-agent architecture for secure bidirectional transactions between the cloud and any number of electronic devices in a vehicle. It can deliver and update software and firmware over-the-air (OTA) and capture real-time operational data from any device in the vehicle.
Membership in the eSync Alliance comprises three levels: Charter, Promoter and User. All members have access to the specifications as well as the opportunity to participate in user days and demonstrate the conformity of their products.
The specifications can be found here: https://www.esyncalliance.org/downloads/
Related articles:
Platform solution for OTA software updates: ZF joins eSync Alliance
A Data Pipeline for Effective Automotive OTA: Five Key Aspects of the eSync System
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