Harman Debuts Scalable Digital Cockpit Platform

Samsung’s subsidiary, Harman International has debuted a new platform solution that can be used for integrating all of a car’s digital displays and the information and services provided through them. The brand’s digital cockpit platform is a highly cost-effective and scalable solution that effectively combines the functionality and operation of the infotainment system and operation to deliver a seamless user experience.

The multitude of display units, safety features and entertainment features can be highly confusing. Automotive manufacturers too find it difficult to manage the growing complexity of the in-car electronics systems and the cost aspect too is of concern as there is need for multiple controllers and software solutions to manage the different systems.

Harman’s new Digital Cockpit platform can drive multiple functional domains within the car, including the center displays and infotainment, instrumentation cluster, advanced driver assist systems (ADAS), audio and sound management, lighting, e-mirrors, navigation, drive assist, and even an intelligent personal assistant. Depending on the segment the vehicle belongs to, manufacturers can use the scalable nature of the platform to come up with individual solutions for each model. Automakers can also use the platform to offer drivers a much better driving experience by aligning the vial look and feel between all the systems in the car as well as significantly improve their flexibility and performance.
Harman’s digital cockpit platform was developed to meet and exceed rigorous benchmarking in relation to functional safety, performance, security, and stability. The fail-safe operation of critical vehicle functions is prioritized through a Type 1 hypervisor. A safety-critical real time operating system is used to oversee the instrument cluster and HUD display and give them added protection. The infotainment and connected experience is powered either by Android or Linux.

“For too long a car’s integral cockpit components have been fragmented,” said Phil Eyler, executive vice president and president, Connected Car, HARMAN. “Our next-generation digital cockpit platform merges critical elements of the connected car, while keeping ease of deployment and management top of mind for OEMs and staying committed to providing drivers with a harmonious and natural interface.”

For those who are concerned about future-proofing, HARMAN’s Ignite IoT solution provides service and over-the-air (OTA) update capabilities for all of the platform systems and this has been integrated into the platform. This makes it possible to add new features and functionality, to fix any software bugs and to upgrade it as needed in the car. The entire system is also secured from the “inside-out” by leveraging Harman’s industry-leading 5+1 security framework.
Harman has revealed that the company is already working with a leading European OEM to deliver the digital cockpit solution and showcased its new Digital Cockpit Platform at Auto China Shanghai 2017.