Linux OS: The Backbone of Customizable Automotive Solutions

The automotive industry has seen rapid advancements in the past decade, particularly in the realm of connectivity and smart technologies. As vehicles become more integrated with the Internet of Things (IoT), the demand for innovative and scalable connected solutions has skyrocketed. Connected telematics, automotive infotainment systems, driver monitoring solutions, and Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) are no longer a luxury, but a necessity. These systems require high-performance hardware and robust software to ensure seamless communication and data transfer between various vehicle components and external systems. As these applications grow in complexity, OEMs face challenges in finding the right connectivity solution that offers not only high bandwidth but also flexibility and customization to meet unique needs.

This is where Cavli's Linux-based IoT modules, including the C10QM, C20QM, and CQS series of smart modules, come into play. These modules provide powerful solutions for modern automotive applications, addressing the diverse connectivity requirements for next-generation vehicles while offering the flexibility that OEMs demand. Let’s explore how these modules, built on Linux operating systems, offer distinct advantages for automotive-connected solutions.

Linux over the Years

The evolution of Linux in embedded systems has been marked by significant milestones, starting in 1996 when Linux Kernel 2.0 introduced multi-architecture support, paving the way for its use in non-x86 embedded platforms. By 1999, Linux gained traction in embedded devices like PDAs and early IoT devices. In 2001, with enhanced networking and ARM support, Linux became more versatile for embedded applications. The introduction of MontaVista Linux and Embedded Debian in 2003 led to the emergence of tailored Linux distributions. Linux's dominance in mobile and embedded systems grew further with Android's announcement in 2005, built on Linux Kernel 2.6. By 2011, the Yocto Project standardized embedded Linux development, which helped optimize Linux for industrial IoT. By 2016, Linux had become the go-to solution for automotive applications, backed by major manufacturers like Toyota and Ford, emphasizing its flexibility and scalability in connected automotive environments.

Introducing Cavli’s Linux-Based IoT Modules

Cavli’s range of IoT modules offers cutting-edge connectivity and processing capabilities that are perfect for automotive applications. These modules are powered by Linux operating systems, specifically Yocto Linux and Android/Linux, providing unparalleled flexibility for OEMs to develop tailored solutions. Cavli’s Linux-based IoT modules include the C10QM, C20QM, and CQS series (CQS290, CQS291, CQS292, CQS315, CQS325), which support a wide array of automotive applications, from infotainment systems to telematics and ADAS.

Key Features:

C10QM and C20QM:

• Radio Category: LTE Cat 1/2G (C10QM), LTE Cat 4/2G (C20QM)
• Processor Core: Arm Cortex A7 (up to 1.3GHz)
• GNSS: L1 (GPS/BDU/GLONASS/Galileo/SBAS/QZSS)
• Operating System: Yocto Linux
• Memory: 256/512MB ROM
• eSIM Capability for global connectivity

CQS Series Smart Modules (CQS290, CQS291, CQS292, CQS315, CQS325):

• Radio Category: LTE Cat 4/2G
• Processor Core: Arm Cortex A53 (up to 2GHz) / Qualcomm Kyro
• GNSS: Multi-constellation support (L1+L5)
• Operating System: Android 13/Linux
• Memory: 2/3/4 GB LPDDR4X RAM + 16/32/64GB eMMC ROM
• eSIM Capability for global connectivity

EDGE Feature: Linux OS for Customizable Automotive Solutions

One of the most notable features of Cavli’s modules is their use of Linux-based operating systems, offering OEMs the ability to create highly customized automotive solutions. With Yocto Linux or Android/Linux, OEMs can build tailored solutions that address the specific needs of their connected automotive applications.

The Yocto Linux variant is particularly advantageous for OEMs who require a lightweight and efficient operating system. Yocto Project for Linux Embedded allows for trimming down the OS to only the necessary components, which significantly reduces overhead. OEMs can create a lean OS that only includes the essential libraries and drivers, which helps reduce software bloat and allows more of the system's resources to be allocated to the custom code developed for their specific automotive use case.

For instance, a connected telematics system can be optimized to collect vehicle diagnostics, location, and sensor data with minimal overhead, enabling real-time communication with cloud systems without consuming unnecessary processing power or memory. Similarly, infotainment systems or advanced clusters can benefit from the flexible architecture of Linux, allowing OEMs to integrate custom multimedia applications, navigation, and communication features tailored to the specific needs of the vehicle.

Engineering Implications for OEMs

The choice of Linux as the operating system for Cavli’s modules brings significant advantages to OEMs, particularly when it comes to automotive applications. Linux is known for its flexibility and vast ecosystem of open-source libraries, drivers, and community support, which enables OEMs to customize their solutions according to their unique requirements. Furthermore, Linux allows OEMs to develop custom software stacks, which is essential for complex automotive systems like ADAS and driver monitoring systems that require extensive processing power.

For example, an OEM designing an automotive infotainment system may require support for multimedia playback, real-time navigation, and telematics. With Cavli’s Linux-based modules, OEMs can run custom applications on a highly efficient platform, without the limitations posed by other operating systems. Moreover, Linux ensures that OEMs can update their systems with ease, enabling software-defined features like over-the-air (OTA) updates, bug fixes, and security patches.

The Power Consumption Benefits of a Customized OS

The ability to run a lean and customized OS also offers advantages in terms of power consumption, which is especially important for automotive applications. A reduced software footprint means that less processing power and memory are required, especially during idle conditions and during boot times. As such, Linux also offers faster boot-up times, with partial boot states (Diagnostic Boot) that can be used to bring up certain functionalities even before the OS does a full boot. Such a capability brings day and night differences in functionality.

For instance, say the climate control is controlled by the infotainment cluster powered by an Android-based smart module. It would require the engineer to wait nearly a solid half minute to obtain control over the AC system due to the longer boot times seen on typical Android-based embedded devices. Whereas a Linux-powered smart module can easily bring those long wait times down, helping to extend the lifecycle of the vehicle’s electrical systems, reduce heat generation, and optimize power consumption, all of which are essential for modern electric and hybrid vehicles.

Practical Implications for End Users

For end users, Cavli’s Linux-based IoT modules provide a seamless and responsive experience. The integration of advanced telematics, infotainment, and ADAS systems into vehicles enables a smarter, safer, and more efficient driving experience. Imagine a connected vehicle with a smart infotainment system powered by the CQS292 module. This system could seamlessly integrate real-time navigation, media streaming, and vehicle diagnostics, ensuring drivers are always informed and entertained.

ADAS Systems and Enhanced Flexibility

In the case of ADAS, Linux-powered modules allow for the development and integration of truly custom systems that use data from cameras, sensors, and GPS to assist with tasks such as lane-keeping, collision prevention, and adaptive cruise control. The flexibility of Linux enables these systems to meet the required depth and capability, while simultaneously offering an OS platform that can be skimmed down to free up resources for such code stacks to be executed seamlessly. Hence, an ADAS system running on Linux would boot up the respective sensors and interfaces faster, ensuring that the end user is not going to hit the kerb on the way out of their home’s parking area.

Bridging Innovation and Practicality

Cavli’s IoT modules with Linux OS offer automotive OEMs a powerful platform for developing connected solutions that are both innovative and practical. By leveraging the flexibility of Linux, OEMs can create custom applications for a wide range of use cases, from telematics and infotainment to ADAS and fleet management. This enables them to meet the growing demand for connected solutions that not only improves the user experience but also enhances vehicle safety, efficiency, and performance.

As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the need for intelligent, connected solutions will only grow. Cavli’s Linux-based IoT modules provide the necessary hardware and software foundation to power these solutions, helping OEMs stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing market. With Cavli’s modules, OEMs can deliver the next generation of connected automotive experiences, driving the future of mobility.

Conclusion

Cavli’s Linux-based IoT modules, including the C10QM, C20QM, and CQS series, provide OEMs with the flexibility, scalability, and performance needed to develop the connected automotive solutions of tomorrow. With support for advanced telematics, infotainment, ADAS, and fleet management applications, these modules are designed to meet the evolving demands of the automotive industry. Whether integrating into new vehicle designs or retrofitting legacy systems, Cavli’s modules offer the connectivity and customizability required to create innovative solutions that enhance the driver experience, improve safety, and optimize operational efficiency. With Cavli, OEMs can unlock the potential of connected vehicles and drive the future of automotive technology.