Multi-architecture automotive software platform supports AI development

Automotive software development is shifting toward centralised computing and software-defined vehicle architectures, increasing the need for flexible development environments. In this context, HighTec EDV-Systeme GmbH introduced a development platform supporting Rust and C/C++ for multi-architecture automotive applications.

Unified toolchain for heterogeneous automotive processors
The HighTec Rust and C/C++ Development Platform is built on an LLVM-based compiler environment designed to support multiple processor architectures within a single workflow. Supported targets include Infineon TriCore™ and AURIX™ TC4x microcontrollers, Renesas RH850 devices, ARM^® Cortex^®-A/R/M processors and RISC-V architectures such as the RT-Europa platform from Quintauris.

This multi-architecture support allows software teams to maintain consistent development processes across different electronic control unit (ECU) platforms while still optimising software for specific hardware targets within the broader automotive data ecosystem.

AI models and model-based design integrated into embedded workflows
The platform supports model-based design (MBD) and AI workloads increasingly used in advanced driver assistance systems and other software-defined vehicle functions. The compiler can generate optimised code for Parallel Processing Units (PPUs) integrated into Infineon AURIX microcontrollers, enabling execution of compute-intensive control algorithms directly on embedded automotive hardware.

For Data Flow Accelerators (DFAs), the toolchain enables code generation from MATLAB models, allowing algorithms to run on host processors with improved execution efficiency. The ONNX2C conversion tool enables trained neural network models in the ONNX format to be converted into optimised C code through graph optimisation and quantisation techniques.

This approach allows AI models to be integrated with existing C/C++ automotive software while maintaining deterministic runtime behaviour required for safety-critical vehicle systems.

Combining Rust and C/C++ in automotive software projects
The development environment supports hybrid software development strategies by allowing Rust software modules to be integrated with established C/C++ codebases. This enables engineering teams to introduce memory-safe programming techniques while maintaining compatibility with legacy automotive software components.

The approach reflects the gradual adoption of modern programming languages in automotive embedded software, particularly where safety, maintainability and long-term software lifecycle considerations are relevant.

Open-source compiler foundation with automotive safety compliance
The development platform is based on LLVM 19 open-source compiler technology. The toolchain is qualified for automotive functional safety requirements in accordance with ISO 26262 up to ASIL D and also supports compliance with ISO 21434 cybersecurity requirements.

This combination allows automotive developers to adopt modern development approaches while meeting established safety and cybersecurity requirements for vehicle software systems.

Demonstrations at embedded world 2026
HighTec presented the development platform at embedded world 2026, held from March 10 to 12 in Nuremberg, Germany. Demonstrations included multi-architecture builds, interoperability between Rust and C environments and AI acceleration on TC4x PPUs.

The demonstrations focused on development workflows for embedded AI, Rust adoption in automotive environments and future RISC-V processor use in safety-critical automotive platforms.

www.hightec-rt.com

Edited by industrial journalist, Aishwarya Mambet — AI-powered.