First data-centric software framework with functional safety certification

Real-Time Innovations (RTI), the software framework company for autonomous systems, has announced that foundational components of RTI Connext Drive are now certified to ISO 26262 ASIL D.

Connext Drive has already been proven-in-use as the underlying software framework for a number of production vehicle models currently on the road, seeing more than a 64% compound annual revenue growth (CAGR) over the last three years. ASIL D certification provides OEMs with greater assurance when it comes to Connext Drive’s suitability for safety-critical applications, including autonomous driving and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Software-defined capabilities have become a key differentiator in autonomous and electric vehicles and OEMs are having to continually innovate to remain competitive, and agile software development is seen as essential. However, it can be held back by automotive software’s complexity and the need for safety assurance.

Connext Drive allows OEMs to evolve their autonomy applications quickly employing an agile data-centric integration paradigm. It allows architects to decompose systems software into fine-grained and loosely-coupled “microservices.” These services only need knowledge of the types of data they exchange, not of the implementation or even presence of any other service. As a result, developers can add and update services to introduce new capabilities without having to modify or re-certify any other software components. Connext Drive is the first data-centric software framework certified to ASIL D.

Connext Drive is part of an expansive automotive ecosystem and is compliant with the Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard. It is integrated with the majority of automotive operating systems, technologies and platforms – including AUTOSAR and ROS 2 – providing architects and system engineers with maximum flexibility in developing their full stack solution.

“The release of safety certification in Connext Drive further validates the commitment from RTI to help overcome the architectural limitations currently facing the automotive industry, and ultimately impeding the transition to next-generation vehicles,” said Pedro Lopez Estepa, Market Development Director, Automotive at RTI. “The new ASIL-D safety solution is another pivotal advancement in our successful automotive journey. We are proud to take these positive steps forward and look forward to working with our customers to make the industry safer, more reliable and cost-effective.”