MICROSAR IO – Lightweight Software Base Layer for Small ECUs
As an enabler for Software-Defined Vehicles, MICROSAR IO allows fast, easy, and cost-efficient integration of sensor and actuator ECUs. At the same time, it provides the foundation for a scalable and secure I/O architecture. With MICROSAR IO, you are able to unlock the full potential of your SDV.
Benefits in Numbers
*KPIs are based on experience and project data; individual results may vary.
MICROSAR IO Simplifies Complexity
MICROSAR IO is an efficient, safe, and reliable software base layer, specifically designed for small mechatronic ECUs such as sensors and actuators. The schematic diagram shows how the companion ECU centrally takes over OEM-specific functions. This allows the Sub-ECUs to be developed independently and to fully focus on their core tasks – for example, controlling door locks or measuring outside temperature. This clear separation of responsibilities enables easy integration of Sub-ECUs into the vehicle network and reduces overall system complexity.
OEMs benefit from an abstracted mechatronic layer, enabling faster and more cost-efficient development of hardware-independent applications.
Tier-1 suppliers receive a lightweight, OEM-ready software stack that allows them to develop components once and scale them across multiple OEMs – no more complex one-off engineering, but a true Commercial Off-The-Shelf product that makes SDV projects more efficient.
The result: greater scalability, reusability, and significant savings in development and hardware.
MICROSAR IO at a Glance
Efficient Use of Resource-Limited Hardware
Efficient Use of Resource-Limited Hardware
MICROSAR IO offers a lightweight embedded implementation that makes efficient use of limited system resources. The basic configuration requires only 32 kBytes of ROM and 8 kBytes of RAM, including operating system and software update functions. Its bus-agnostic, service-oriented communication supports a wide range of interfaces such as CAN, LIN, and 10BASE‑T1S.
For OEMs, MICROSAR IO enables easy implementation, faster time-to-market, and reduced complexity through a clear separation of hardware-dependent and independent parts. Functional decomposition separates I/Os, such as sensor and actuator ECUs, from application logic, following the “Shift North” principle.
Tier‑1 suppliers benefit from high scalability and reusability across multiple projects thanks to OEM independence. They can achieve lower material costs, reduced hardware requirements, and shorter development cycles, making MICROSAR IO a highly efficient solution for resource-limited hardware environments.
Fast and Flexible Integration into the Vehicle Network
Fast and Flexible Integration into the Vehicle Network
The software extensions for the companion ECU enable seamless integration of Sub-ECUs into the OEM vehicle network. These extensions are a perfect fit for companion ECUs developed with MICROSAR Classic and the Vector Flash Bootloader, but they are also available for integration with other basic software solutions.
For OEMs, this approach supports platform strategies, reduces variant diversity, and lowers integration effort and costs. For Tier‑1 suppliers, the low variance enables commercial off‑the‑shelf products, faster integration, and less testing effort.
Safety and Security
Safety and Security
MICROSAR IO supports safety-critical applications up to ASIL‑D. State-of-the-art automotive development processes and long-term support ensure a future-proof solution.
For OEMs, MICROSAR IO enables the secure implementation of SDV architectures, reduces engineering effort, and allows faster software delivery. For Tier‑1 suppliers, it provides scalable and simplified development and enables reuse across multiple platforms.
IoT-Like Development Workflow
IoT-Like Development Workflow
A user-friendly framework and simple project setup options allow developers to get started quickly. Integration into PlatformIO provides a complete environment for programming, debugging, and deploying software.
For OEMs, no additional tools are required, enabling faster software development and quicker time-to-market.
For Tier‑1 suppliers, MICROSAR IO offers a lightweight start without high configuration effort, making integration faster and easier.
Knowledge Hub
Discover valuable insights into MICROSAR IO and explore how Tier1 suppliers and OEMs use it with our lightweight software base layer.
This whitepaper demonstrates how a zonal E/E architecture in the Software-Defined Vehicle enables efficient integration of intelligent sensors and actuators using MICROSAR IO.
Let’s Talk About Your Use Case With MICROSAR IO
Interested in our new offer MICROSAR IO? Are you interested in our offer or would you like to discuss possible ideas and requirements with us? Whatever it is: We’re here and happy to hear from you.
Sophie Schäferle
Embedded Software Expert