Vector Introduces Lightweight Embedded Software for Small ECUs  Collaboration with Infineon Leads to New HAL Specification

Stuttgart, GERMANY, 2025-03-06 – Vector completes its modular platform for the development of Software-Defined Vehicles. The new Embedded Software product MICROSAR IO targets low-cost and resource-constrained microcontrollers. A collaboration project with MICROSAR IO for Infineon PSOC™4 HV controllers has resulted in a new Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) specification. MICROSAR IO is a lightweight, secure and efficient base layer. It is designed for small mechatronic ECUs such as sensors and actuators, prioritizing reusability and cost efficiency while remaining independent of OEM constraints. It is particularly suited for automotive subsystems such as battery management, parking sensors, and HVAC systems, where efficiency and low resource consumption are essential. By offloading complex OEM-specific tasks to a companion ECU, MICROSAR IO enables seamless integration into the vehicle network. MICROSAR IO abstracts hardware at the mechatronic layer, simplifying integration with higher system layers such as high-performance compute modules or zonal controllers. This supports OEMs’ "shift-north" strategy, consolidating functionality in high-performance compute modules. The basic configuration requires only 32k ROM and 8k RAM, including an operating system, communication and software update capabilities. MICROSAR IO is fully integrated into the VS Code PlatformIO extension, providing an IoT development experience in one environment. Developers can manage the entire development cycle - from project setup to building, downloading, and debugging hardware - without having to switch between tools, accelerating development. Key Benefits of MICROSAR IO > Simple development: Easy-to-use framework, simple project setup, and platform IO integration > Low-cost hardware: Supports low-cost hardware with optimized communication for CAN, LIN, UART and SPI > Vehicle network integration: Seamlessly integrates with OEM networks via companion ECUs > Safety and Reliability: Supports ASIL-D use cases with long-term support and maintenance Collaboration with Infineon and New HAL Specification A collaboration with Infineon led to the development of a new Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) specification. This HAL is designed for low memory footprint microcontrollers, providing standardized interfaces to simplify the integration and increase the reusability of embedded software. The new HAL specification was successfully implemented for the driver of Infineon's automotive microcontroller, the PSOC™4 HV. This implementation utilized Vector's MICROSAR IO software platform as the basic software. The HAL specification is also available to other semiconductor manufacturers. More information at: www.vector.com/microsar-io

About Vector: Vector is the leading manufacturer of software tools and components for the development of software-based electronic systems and their networking. Vector knows the requirements of software and electronics development. And has done so for 35 years. As "simplifiers", Vectorians simplify the technology development of customers worldwide and thus contribute to their success. With modern solutions in the form of software tools, embedded software and cloud technologies. This is achieved above all through a passion for technology and the ambition to always deliver top performance. Vector worldwide currently employs more than 4,500 people with sales of EUR 1.01 billion in 2024. Vector is headquartered in Germany (Stuttgart) and has subsidiaries in Brazil, China, France, Great Britain, India, Italy, Japan, Austria, Romania, Sweden, South Korea, Spain and the USA.