QNX CAR (Connected Automotive Reference)

Media players, smartphones, and the like have become an integral part of consumers’ lives. Consumers now want to bring these portable devices into their cars and have them work seamlessly with in-car entertainment systems. Yet in-car connections to these devices are only the tip of the iceberg. Today’s consumers have an insatiable appetite for Internet connectivity. They want and often need to be on-line while traveling. The car of the future therefore must connect to the Internet, home networks, the office, other cars, and even to roadside infrastructure.

Figure 1. The QNX Connected Automotive Reference (CAR) gives OEMs and Tier one suppliers the tools they need to quickly develop “connected” in-vehicle systems with a high level of reliability.

Recognizing the need for an effective approach to software development and integration, QNX has developed the Connected Automotive Reference (QNX CAR). Based on experience gained from successful deployment in millions of vehicles, this integrated set of software solutions and services provides all the necessary tools to quickly develop reliable in-vehicle systems and dramatically reduce software development time.

QNX in Automotive

QNX CAR is the natural evolution of the automotive software industry and is built upon QNX’s extensive experience in the automotive market. QNX software is used in more vehicle models (200) and by more automakers and suppliers than all other OS platforms combined. This amounts to more than 7.4 million vehicles worldwide, which includes over 50 percent of all factory-equipped handsfree systems.

QNX Software System’s deep success in the automotive market is the result of a committed, long-term approach to addressing the demanding requirements of automotive customers. In addition to offering automotive-grade middleware and operating system technology, QNX has built a large ecosystem of more than 90 technology partners, providing automakers and tier one suppliers with a “one-stop shop” for complementary hardware and software technologies. Whether they need solutions for navigation, voice recognition, Bluetooth, Java, Web middleware, graphics, databases, tools, or silicon, QNX customers can choose from multiple vendors, all of which have integrated their technologies with the QNX® Neutrino® RTOS, a full-featured and reliable OS that scales down to meet the constrained resource requirements of embedded systems.

Virtually all of the world’s major automakers — including BMW, Chrysler, Daimler, Fiat, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Saab, Ssangyong, Toyota, and Volkswagen — now ship vehicles with QNX-based systems. These vehicles include models sold under numerous brands, including Acura, Alfa Romeo, Audi, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, Honda, Hummer, Infiniti, Jeep, Lancia, Mini, Mercedes, Opel, Pontiac, Saturn, and others. As a result, drivers and passengers have long been enjoying QNX technology.

QNX Connected Automotive Reference (CAR)

To build functional systems, automotive suppliers source as much software as possible and then combine the various technologies into an integrated whole. This approach provides freedom of choice and the ability to pick technologies for specific systems and cost points.

QNX CAR supports this approach by giving automakers and suppliers the flexibility to choose from a set of software building blocks incorporating technology from QNX and its extensive ecosystem. These building blocks can then be easily integrated into an existing design or a reference implementation for an immediate, out-of-the-box operational system. In addition, QNX Software Systems provides quality engineering support to help bring automotive systems to market quickly and efficiently.

Figure 2. QNX CAR offers a set of building blocks that can be integrated into an existing design, reference implementations for an immediate, out-of-the-box system, and quality engineering support.

View the full QNX Connected Automotive Reference whitepaper.

Automotive partner ecosystem