Infineon and HL Klemove collaborate on software-defined vehicle platforms

Infineon Technologies and HL Klemove have announced a strengthened partnership in the field of automotive technologies, specifically focusing on electronic architectures that support the software-defined vehicle. The two companies have formalized their collaboration through a memorandum of understanding that outlines joint development activities across various vehicle domains.

For professionals in the automotive electronics and embedded systems industry, this announcement holds significance as it underscores the alignment of semiconductor suppliers and system integrators around zonal architectures, in-vehicle networking, and sensing technologies. These areas are playing an increasingly crucial role in shaping European SDV programs.

SDV Architectures: Zonal Control and In-Vehicle Networking

As part of the agreement, Infineon and HL Klemove are set to work together on next-generation zonal control units that will leverage Infineon’s microcontrollers and power semiconductors alongside HL Klemove’s application development expertise. Zonal architectures are seen as a promising approach to simplifying wiring complexity and enabling more flexible software deployment in future vehicles.

Another key aspect of their collaboration revolves around vehicle Ethernet-based ADAS and camera systems. The partners are planning to collaborate on front camera modules and parking control units that utilize Ethernet as the in-vehicle backbone. Infineon will contribute its Ethernet semiconductor and networking technologies, while HL Klemove will handle system integration and product development. Such Ethernet-based solutions are becoming increasingly important for high data-rate sensor fusion and over-the-air update strategies.

HL Klemove emphasized the significance of this collaboration in terms of architectural advancements. Yoon-Haeng Lee, CEO of HL Klemove, stated, “This partnership represents a significant step towards realizing the next-generation electronic architecture needed for the software-defined vehicle era.”

Radar Technologies for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

The memorandum also includes joint efforts in radar systems development. HL Klemove intends to leverage Infineon’s radar semiconductor portfolio to create high-resolution and short-range radar concepts, initially through proof-of-concept projects. The companies are also exploring imaging radar technology, which is being researched industry-wide to enhance object detection and classification for advanced driver assistance systems. These sensing technologies are increasingly vital components of broader software-defined vehicle strategies, where perception, fusion, and update capabilities are closely intertwined.

Infineon positioned this collaboration within its overarching automotive strategy. Peter Schaefer, Executive Vice President and CSO Automotive at Infineon, stated, “Drawing on our comprehensive product portfolio, deep system understanding, and application expertise, Infineon is committed to enabling the automotive industry to expedite the time-to-market for software-defined vehicles.” He added, “Our partnership with HL Klemove combines Infineon’s technological leadership with HL Klemove’s system proficiency to deliver safer and more intelligent mobility solutions.”

The partners have indicated that initial prototype development will be crucial in validating concepts before broader implementation, reflecting a prudent and incremental approach typical of automotive electronics development.