Developer’s kit accelerates time-to-market for connected systems in automotive and industrial applications
Fremont, Calif., May 26, 2020 – Excelfore, a technology innovator in automotive over-the-air (OTA) and data aggregation for sensors and ECUs, has launched a new Software Development Kit (SDK) for the eSync standard data pipeline. The SDK provides customers an Out-of-the-Box connectivity solution for their embedded systems to their preferred Cloud platform, enabling them to rapidly launch OTA and data aggregation programs.
Aimed primarily at automakers and suppliers of Electronic Control Units (ECUs) and smart sensors, the Excelfore eSync SDK shortens development cycles by enabling a working model of how software is delivered over-the-air. It provides feature-rich OTA capabilities including custom policies, delta compression and end-to-end security for software delivery and updates.
The SDK comes with two compact Raspberry Pi computing devices, along with all necessary power supplies and cables. One Raspberry Pi serves as the gateway, providing a Wi-Fi wireless connection and hosting the pre-installed eSync Client software. The second Raspberry Pi serves as the external edge device to be updated. eSync Agents are pre-installed on both devices, enabling new software to be installed on either or both.
eSync is a multi-company specification promoted by the eSync Alliance, which defines a software platform with interoperable server and embedded software to build a secure bi-directional data pipeline between the cloud and electronic end devices in vehicles. eSync can deliver and update software and firmware over-the-air (OTA), while collecting real-time operational data from in-car devices including ECUs, domain master ECUs, network gateways, and smart sensors. With a global network of co-operating suppliers, the eSync data pipeline helps carmakers avoid costly and inconvenient vehicle recalls, and enables vehicle software and features to be updated in the field.
The SDK simplifies and accelerates the development, prototyping and testing of eSync compliant devices, and facilitates incorporation of legacy devices into eSync OTA-enabled networks. It also supports evaluation of eSync in-network and cloud software by IT professionals at OEMs and suppliers.
Shrinath Acharya, CEO at Excelfore, said, “OTA is a challenge in complex environments with many diverse devices on multiple networks and busses, as in automotive. Development, integration and verification requires a lot of experienced engineering resources and is impractical without some level of standardization in architecture and protocols. The eSync SDK provides a quick and simple solution that enables our customers to take advantage of Excelfore’s proven, production-deployed solution for managing updates via the eSync OTA platform.”
Optional Expansions
In addition to the basic SDK, Excelfore will also provide two expansion kits. The first, a CAN-bus expansion kit, provides cables, connectors, instructions, and a “Template” eSync Agent. Users can use this expansion to integrate AUTOSAR ECUs and other CAN-bus devices into their eSync SDK. The second, a vehicle status emulator, provides a load-board with a CAN-bus interface. Users can change the state of variables of vehicle status that affect OTA policies, such as whether a vehicle’s ignition is on, or whether the vehicle owner has given consent for an update to proceed.
Price and Delivery
The Excelfore eSync SDK is available for delivery to corporate customers. The price is $999 per kit, and $2,500 per month for cloud hosting. A package price for one kit and one month of hosting is offered at $2,999.
Two expansion kits, for CAN-bus AUTOSAR ECU connectivity and for the vehicle status emulator, will be available in the 3rd Quarter, priced at $499 each.
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About Excelfore
Excelfore, located in Silicon Valley, is unlocking automotive data through innovative platforms for connected cars, electric vehicles, and autonomous vehicles. Excelfore products include protocol stacks for in-vehicle networking, as well as a full implementation of the eSync™ bi-directional pipeline for OTA updates and data gathering. Excelfore has headquarters in the Silicon Valley in California, USA, and has offices in China, Germany, India and Japan.
Reader Contact: eSyncSDK@excelfore.com
Excelfore is a trademark of Excelfore Corporation.
eSync is a trademark of the eSync Alliance.
Raspberry Pi is a trademark of the Raspberry Pi Foundation.
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