With the shift towards Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs), which rely heavily on advanced software, the demand for effective on-car or edge storage solutions has become increasingly critical. This shift has significantly increased the demand for effective on-car or edge storage solutions, crucial for the functionality of SDVs. These storage solutions enable connectivity, automation, and personalisation, facilitating advanced features, boosting safety measures, and enhancing the user experience, all of which are heavily data-dependent.
The SDV sector is projected to generate over $650 billion in value for the auto industry by 2030, accounting for 15% to 20% of automotive value. According to a BCG analysis, revenues for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) from automotive software and electronics are expected to nearly triple from $87 billion to $248 billion by 2030. The supplier market for automotive software and electronics is also expected to almost double to $411 billion. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for advanced vehicle features, stringent safety regulations, and advancements in navigation and connectivity.
Khalid Wani, Senior Director – Sales India at Western Digital, discusses the value proposition brought by SDVs and the solutions offered by his company. The SDV architecture is multi-layered, with the storage layer being particularly significant as vehicles evolve into 'data centres on wheels.' A new storage architecture is essential, with centralised, high-performance devices offering increased capacity, reduced latency, and enhanced encryption.
Western Digital offers a range of storage options, including Automotive SD Cards, automotive-grade iNAND UFS, and e.MMC Embedded Flash Drives (EFDs). These solutions are designed to deliver superior endurance, high reliability, and extended temperature range, making them ideal for various automotive applications such as high-resolution maps, feature-rich infotainment systems, and responsive event recorders.
Western Digital's iNAND AT EU552 UFS 3.1 embedded flash drives have achieved ASPICE CL3 (level 3), marking a significant milestone in data storage device maturity. ASPICE CL3 certification indicates that the processes are well-defined, standardised, and actively managed, moving beyond the 'Managed' CL2 tier to the 'Established' CL3 tier.
Modern vehicles are managed by complex software systems arranged around a central computer, reflecting the growing consumer expectation for seamless digital integration similar to other smart devices. The primary enhancement of automotive functionality now hinges on software updates, which will again depend on storage solutions by companies like Western Digital.
SDVs manage core vehicle functions through software, serving as a central hub for extensive data management. Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), SDVs analyse data to derive insights and execute intelligent actions autonomously. AI empowers SDVs to continuously learn from vast data pools, making smarter decisions and personalising driving experiences.
By decoupling hardware from software, SDVs can receive seamless updates and upgrades over-the-air, enhancing automation and autonomy. These vehicles engage actively with their surroundings, acquiring knowledge and taking actions in real-time. Connectivity allows SDVs to participate in vast networks, exchanging real-time data and adapting to dynamic road conditions. Key engineering features of SDVs include Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication protocols and the integration of sensors like LiDAR, radar cameras, and ultrasonic sensors. Edge computing also plays a pivotal role in enhancing their functionality.