The automotive industry is undergoing a transformation towards Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs), and in this process, LG Electronics has partnered with SOAFEE to develop an innovative technology called PICCOLO. PICCOLO enables efficient interaction between software and hardware within vehicles, establishing itself as a core technology in the SDV era. This article will technically analyze the structure, functionality, integration with SOAFEE and the inclusion of PICCOLO within the SOAFEE reference implementation and showcased as a SOAFEE blueprint, business advantages, and operational scenarios of PICCOLO.

LG αWare is a software solution portfolio designed for the SDV era, aimed at enhancing the experience of software developers, OEMs, and end-users alike. A key component of this portfolio, BaseWare, provides the essential solutions needed for the performance development of vehicle operating systems and new platforms. PICCOLO, developed in collaboration with SOAFEE, functions as a Mixed Critical Orchestrator, ensuring that software of varying levels operates seamlessly regardless of the hardware system.

PICCOLO is a technology that dynamically manages workloads within vehicles and enables optimal resource allocation. This technology maximizes efficiency by relocating tasks based on the vehicle's status or driving environment.

PICCOLO continuously monitors the vehicle's status in real-time and optimizes resources accordingly. For instance, during driving, high-performance algorithms such as the Battery Management System (BMS) are executed on high-performance ECUs, while when the vehicle is parked, it can switch to low-power ECUs to conserve resources. This dynamic resource management enhances the overall energy efficiency of the vehicle and ensures system stability.

PICCOLO provides a Mixed Critical Orchestrator function that allows various levels of software to operate simultaneously. This feature adjusts the priorities between safety-critical and non-safety-critical software, maximizing the overall performance of the system. Consequently, various applications within the vehicle can interact smoothly. For example, when autonomous driving features and infotainment systems operate concurrently, PICCOLO optimizes resource allocation between them to ensure seamless functionality.

SOAFEE is an open-standard platform aimed at achieving flexibility and scalability in vehicle software. PICCOLO operates within this platform, managing workloads and optimizing resources to contribute to the realization of SOAFEE's vision. Because PICCOLO operates within SOAFEE's open architecture, it supports interoperability between various hardware and software. This allows manufacturers to integrate solutions from different suppliers, creating more flexible systems. Such interoperability provides automotive manufacturers with the ability to adopt new technologies more easily and respond swiftly to market changes. For instance, when new sensors or algorithms are introduced, PICCOLO supports their integration with existing systems to ensure optimal performance.

PICCOLO offers several business advantages to automotive manufacturers:

1. Ease of OTA (Over-The-Air) Updates: PICCOLO facilitates OTA updates, reducing the costs associated with vehicle software management. This enables manufacturers to deliver new features to customers more quickly.




2. Cost Reduction: Thanks to PICCOLO, automotive manufacturers can reduce the time and costs associated with feature updates or the introduction of new technologies. This contributes to overall operational efficiency.




3. Bridging the Gap Between Hardware and Software: PICCOLO plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between hardware and software within the SDV ecosystem. This allows manufacturers to integrate various technologies, enhancing their competitiveness.

We have prepared a video showcasing the operational scenarios of PICCOLO. This video visually explains how PICCOLO operates within the vehicle and how it optimizes resources in various driving environments.

PICCOLO has established itself as a significant technology that will drive innovation in the SDV era through the collaboration between LG Electronics and SOAFEE. This technology aims to standardize vehicle software development and supports manufacturers in adopting new technologies more easily through flexible workload management and optimization. We look forward to seeing how PICCOLO will be commercialized in the future. What are your thoughts? Please leave your comments!