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Embedded Systems In Automobiles

Article · February 2025

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Koushik Pillalamarri
University of Massachusetts Amherst
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 Embedded Systems In Automobiles

Koushik Pillalamarri
University of Massachusetts Amherst
[email protected]

Abstract

The integration of embedded systems in the automotive industry has transformed vehicle
functionality, enhancing performance, safety, and user experience. This paper explores the
evolution of embedded systems in passenger vehicles, highlighting key advancements such as
Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs), Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), artificial
intelligence, and connectivity. The impact of electric vehicles (EVs) on embedded systems is also
examined, focusing on battery management, power electronics, and thermal regulation.
Additionally, the paper discusses the role of semiconductors, the challenges posed by the 2021
semiconductor shortage, and future trends in autonomous driving, cybersecurity, and augmented
reality. As automotive technology advances, embedded systems will continue to play a crucial
role in shaping the future of smart and efficient vehicles.

Introduction

The automotive industry has undergone a significant transformation over the past few decades,
largely driven by the integration of various embedded systems. These sophisticated electronic
control units (ECUs) have revolutionized vehicle performance, safety, and user experience. This
paper examines the evolution of embedded systems in passenger vehicles. Embedded systems are
systems integrated within systems. For example, in a car, adaptive cruise control has various
systems. One measuring the terrain, one maintaining the speed and such. These systems were not
always present in cars and the evolution and structure of them are interesting. The upcoming
while also exploring the impact of electric vehicles on this technological landscape. We will also
look at the increased safety aspects of having embedded systems.

I conducted this research using a systematic review using an AI system called, perplexity AI. We
found that there are 8 categories of embedded systems in cars, Software-Defined Vehicles

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(SDVs), Advanced Driver Assistance systems (ADAS), Electric and Hybrid vehicles,
connectivity and infotainment, AI and machine learning, Cyber security, Edge computing, and
Sustainability. In this paper, we will dig through each of them and look at their evolution over
time.

Historical Overview

The journey of embedded systems in cars began in the late 1960s with the introduction of simple
electronic ignition; a system where a battery powered motor would turn a crank at the turn of a
key. By the 1980s, microcontrollers had found their way into engine management systems,
marking the true beginning of the embedded systems era in automotive engineering. The 1990s
saw a rapid expansion of these systems into various vehicle functions, from antilock braking
systems (ABS) to airbag controls. Embedded systems are systems embedded within systems. For
example, in a system such as a laptop, there are various smaller systems such as the CPU, GPU,
etc… which work together to create one system. These systems exist in every aspect of
technology but a place it has significantly grown is with electric cars. Typical cars have
approximately 40-50, while some luxury vehicles can go up to 100. A typical electric car
however has well over 150 due to the electrical system.

The Critical Role of Semiconductors in Embedded

Systems

Semiconductors are the foundation of modern embedded systems, serving as the brains and
nervous systems of countless devices across industries. These tiny chips enable the processing,
memory, and communication capabilities that make embedded systems functional and intelligent.

Key Semiconductor Components in Embedded Systems

1. Microcontrollers (MCUs): These are the most common type of processor in embedded
systems, integrating CPU, memory, and I/O peripherals on a single chip.

2. Microprocessors (MPUs): Used in more complex embedded systems, offering higher

performance than MCUs.

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3. Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs): Provide flexibility for custom hardware
implementations.

4. Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs): Custom-designed chips for specific

embedded applications.

5. Memory chips: Including RAM, ROM, and flash memory for data storage and program
execution.

6. Sensor and actuator interfaces: Specialized chips for connecting to various input/output
devices.

Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs)

The automotive industry is slowly being driven towards software defined vehicles, with the
market reaching over $700 million. A software-defined vehicle (SDV) is a car that uses software
to control and manage its functions, rather than hardware. SDVs are connected to the internet and
can be updated remotely without changing the hardware (Keysight). The biggest example of this
is the Tesla car systems where they get over the air updates to fix any bugs and provide new
features to their preexisting vehicles.

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Advanced Driver Assistance systems (ADAS)

Advanced driver assistance system is an extension of the SDVs providing a safety assurance to
the driver and its passengers. According to a report by Mubeen J. at “Emertxe”, we see that
These systems include blind spot indication, forward collision warning, lane keep assist and
such. This data is provided in real time using Sensors, Cameras, Radar and Lidar. In another
article by Dr. Arjun Patel on “Towards automotive”, explains that these systems are allowing
humans to completely let the vehicle be driven autonomously under certain conditions in the new
level 3 ADAS.

AI and machine learning

Using the ADAS, the software in some cars uses that data to contribute to the Large Learning
Model (LLM) to train their AI. In some cars, most notably teslas, use AI integration to
autonomously drive. These cars are able to start from their origin and drive to the destination and
park with little to no supervision. This integration is not possible without embedded systems
helping provide them the data.

AI is also used in more higher end luxury cars to detect and learn from the drivers’ daily patterns
to help form a personalized experience in their cars.

Connectivity and infotainment

The latest news from Bloomberg talks about the chinese car company BYD which integrates
various infotainment systems to increase connectivity to the driver’s life to form a seamless
synergy between their existing devices and the car. These are brought by touch screens and the
smartphone integration software. Applications such as Apple CarPlay and Androing Auto help
bring a synergy to the drivers live’s by forming a familiar interface.

Edge computing

With the growth of embedded systems in cars, there is also the spike in Edge computing. Edge
computing is the idea of processing data at the host. Meaning, if a car records data of the terrain,
they can process and send that data to the data center via cellular to grow an AI network.

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The 2021 Semiconductor Shortage and Its Impact

According to a report by Nikhil Kaitwade who is a VP of future market insights, the estimated
embedded global market size 5,352 million by 2024 ending growing to a stagarring 9,317 million
by 2034. These show the strong effect Semiconductors and embedded systems have on

The global semiconductor shortage that began in 2021 had a profound impact on the embedded
systems industry, highlighting the critical role these components play in modern technology. The
market endured a $221 billion loss just in the car manufacturing sector.

Causes of the Shortage

1. COVID-19 pandemic disruptions to manufacturing and supply chains

2. Increased demand for consumer electronics during lockdowns
3. Geopolitical tensions affecting trade
4. Natural disasters affecting key production facilities

Impact on Embedded Systems Industries

The shortage affected numerous sectors relying on embedded systems:

1. Automotive: Global auto production dropped by 7.7% in 2021, with 7.7 million fewer vehicles
produced due to chip shortages.

2. Consumer Electronics: Smartphone shipments decreased by 6% year-over-year in Q3 2021

due to component shortages.

3. Industrial Equipment: Lead times for industrial equipment increased dramatically, with some
components seeing delays of up to 52 weeks.

4. Medical Devices: Production of critical medical equipment was hampered, affecting healthcare
systems worldwide.

Economic Impact

The semiconductor shortage had significant economic repercussions, particularly within the
global automotive industry, which suffered an estimated loss of $211 billion in revenue in 2021
due to production halts caused by the lack of chips. Overall, the economic impact of the chip

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 shortage in 2021 was devastating, amounting to
approximately $500 billion globally. Despite a
reduction in the severity of the shortage since its
peak in 2021, its repercussions continue to
influence the market. Semiconductor sales have
started to rebound, with projections indicating an
increase from $573 billion in 2022 to an
impressive $1 trillion by 2030. This growth is
driven by escalating demand across all technology
sectors, from consumer electronics to industrial
applications. To address and mitigate future risks
associated with semiconductor supply,
governments and major companies are
strategically increasing their investments in
domestic semiconductor production facilities. These efforts are aimed at enhancing the resilience
of supply chains and reducing the dependency on international sources, which have proven to be
a significant vulnerability in times of global stress.

The 2021 semiconductor shortage demonstrated the crucial role these components play in
embedded systems across all industries. As demand continues to grow and new technologies
emerge, ensuring a stable and diverse semiconductor supply chain will be essential for the
continued advancement of embedded systems and the industries that rely on them.

Electric Cars and Embedded Systems

The proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs) has dramatically influenced the development and
implementation of embedded systems in automotive design:

Advanced Battery Management Systems (BMS)

Electric vehicles depend on sophisticated BMS to monitor and manage the functions of large
battery packs. These systems are crucial for optimizing battery performance, ensuring safety, and
prolonging battery lifespan. They use complex algorithms and extensive sensor networks to
continuously assess the state of charge and health of the battery, making real-time adjustments to
power output and charging rates to prevent overcharging and overheating.

Power Electronics and Motor Control

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Electric cars require cutting-edge power electronics to efficiently direct the flow of electricity
between the battery, motor, and other vehicle systems. Embedded systems in these components
are vital for enhancing the vehicle’s overall efficiency and performance. Additionally, electric
vehicles feature regenerative braking systems that capture kinetic energy during braking and
convert it into electrical energy, which is then stored back in the battery. This process is managed
by intricate embedded controllers and sensors that ensure a seamless integration with
conventional braking systems, optimizing energy recovery.

Thermal Management

Maintaining optimal temperatures for batteries and motors is critical in EVs. Advanced thermal
management systems, governed by embedded controllers, constantly monitor and regulate the
temperature of these critical components. These systems adjust heating or cooling responses to
maintain efficiency and prevent thermal degradation of the battery and motor, ensuring the
vehicle operates within safe thermal thresholds.

Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates

Tesla was at the forefront of implementing OTA software updates in vehicles, a practice that has
revolutionized how automotive performance and features are enhanced post-manufacture. These
updates allow for the continuous improvement of various vehicle functions by remotely
upgrading the software of embedded systems. This capability has been adopted widely across the
industry, effectively merging the realms of automotive hardware and software, and enabling cars
to stay current with the latest technological advancements without the need for physical
modifications.
​
Future Trends

Autonomous Driving

The push towards autonomous vehicles is driving the development of even more advanced
embedded systems. These systems must process vast amounts of sensor data in real-time to make
driving decisions, requiring powerful onboard computers and sophisticated AI algorithms.

Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Communication will become more prevalent in the future. Future
vehicles will increasingly communicate with infrastructure, other vehicles, and pedestrians. This
requires robust embedded systems capable of handling complex communication protocols and

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processing large amounts of data in real-time. This would allow for safer and more efficient
Autonomous driving systems.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

AI and machine learning are being increasingly integrated into automotive embedded systems,
enabling more sophisticated predictive maintenance, personalized user experiences, and
improved autonomous driving capabilities. These technologies allow vehicles to analyze
real-time data from various sensors and components, predicting potential failures before they
occur, thus enhancing vehicle reliability and reducing maintenance costs. Additionally, AI
facilitates the creation of personalized settings for drivers, adjusting elements like seat
positioning, climate control, and entertainment preferences automatically. In autonomous
driving, machine learning algorithms process vast amounts of data from cameras, radar, and lidar
systems to make real-time decisions, improving the safety and efficiency of self-driving cars.
This integration not only enhances vehicle performance and user experience but also drives
innovation in the automotive industry.

Software systems

As cars become increasingly connected, the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in

embedded systems is growing. Automakers are investing heavily in secure system architectures
to protect against potential cyber threats, developing advanced encryption protocols and intrusion
detection systems to safeguard data and vehicle operations.

To reduce latency and improve real-time processing capabilities, there is a trend towards edge
computing in automotive systems. This involves processing data closer to its source, within the
vehicle, rather than relying solely on cloud-based systems. By doing so, it enables quicker
decision-making and enhances the performance of real-time functions such as autonomous
driving and predictive maintenance.

Augmented reality (AR) is expected to play a significant role in future automotive interfaces,
providing drivers with enhanced navigation, safety alerts, and vehicle information through
sophisticated visual overlays. Implementing AR effectively will require robust embedded
systems capable of processing and displaying AR content in real-time. These systems will need
to integrate high-performance GPUs and specialized software that can handle complex visual
data and support interactive, user-friendly interfaces. Together, these advancements are setting
the stage for a new era of smart, secure, and highly interactive automotive technology.

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Conclusion

Embedded systems have become the backbone of modern automotive technology, enabling
advancements in safety, efficiency, and user convenience. From the early adoption of
microcontrollers in engine management to the rise of AI-driven autonomous vehicles, these
systems have continuously evolved to meet the demands of an increasingly digital world. The
proliferation of electric vehicles has further accelerated innovations in embedded systems,
particularly in battery management and energy optimization. Despite challenges such as
semiconductor shortages, the automotive industry continues to innovate, driving towards a future
defined by software-driven vehicles, enhanced connectivity, and AI-powered automation. As
these technologies advance, embedded systems will remain at the core of the automotive
revolution, shaping the next generation of intelligent and autonomous transportation.

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Work Cited​

Bluefruit. “What Embedded Systems Are There in a Car?” Bluefruit Software, Bluefruit Software, 18 Oct.
2023, bluefruit.co.uk/processes/what-embedded-systems-in-car/.

Burkacky, O., Deichmann, J., Pfingstag, P., & Werra, J. (2022). Semiconductor shortage: How the
automotive industry can succeed. McKinsey & Company.

Chakraborty, S., Lukasiewycz, M., Buckl, C., Fahmy, S., Chang, N., Park, S., ... & Adlkofer, H. (2012,
March). Embedded systems and software challenges in electric vehicles. In 2012 Design, Automation &
Test in Europe Conference & Exhibition (DATE) (pp. 424-429). IEEE.

Hardware, C. (2010). Embedded Systems. In 14th International Workshop.

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Acknowledgements:
Koushik Pillalamarri: Conceptualization, Methodology, Writing (original draft production),
Execution.

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