Mentor Graphics has merged the Linux automotive infotainment technology it acquired in from MontaVista into its own in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) platform. Additionally, the new Mentor Embedded Automotive Technology Platform (ATP) complies with Yocto Project 1.3 and GENIVI 3.0 requirements, says Mentor.

Mentor’s ATP and its Sourcery CodeBench and Sourcery Analyzer development tools are aimed at simplifying the process of tuning the Linux kernel and selecting suitable components for Linux-based IVI systems. In particular, ATP’s support for LLTng (LInux Trace Toolkit, Next Generation), helps developers “more easily visually analyze and debug complex interactions between the Linux OS and automotive application software with the Mentor Embedded Sourcery Analyzer,” states the company.

ATP’s GENIVI 3.0 compliance and support for the Freescale i.MX 6 and Renesas R-CAR H1 hardware platforms provides “an optimum and standard set of automotive components to support the development of IVI systems,” says Mark Mitchell, GM of the Mentor’s Open Source Embedded Solutions division. Other benefits include driver and BSP (board support package) enhancements, including “video and audio improvements for multimedia applications that are a critical element of IVI systems.”

“Automotive Tier One suppliers and OEMs can optimize hardware performance and take advantage of an expanded automotive-grade middleware in this new and combined Mentor Embedded Automotive Technology Platform,” Mitchell continues.

“With over 45 million automobiles sold each year, auto manufacturers are keenly aware of the impact of IVI systems as a key differentiator with consumers,” adds Mitchell. “This includes the need to integrate technologies such as voice-recognition, touch screens, web browsing, GPS, and connectivity between automobile and smartphones — all dependent on embedded software.

Mentor’s customizable embedded Linux platforms and related development tools target applications in automotive, industrial, smart energy, medical devices, and consumer electronics.

Further details, visit Mentor’s Automotive In-Vehicle Infotainment page.