Mentor Graphics collaborates with Freescale to accelerate in-vehicle infotainment product development for i.MX6 series of apps processors

WILSONVILLE, USA: Leveraging its expertise in transportation design technology, Mentor Graphics Corp. is collaborating with Freescale Semiconductor to provide the Mentor Embedded Linux In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) Base Platform for the Freescale i.MX6 series of scalable, multicore ARM Cortex A9-based processors. This effort will help speed the deployment of automotive IVI systems based on the new i.MX6 processors.

The Mentor Embedded IVI Base Platform is registered compliant with the requirements of the GENIVI Alliance, an automotive and consumer electronics industry association that drives collaboration among automotive OEMs and software developers, to build open source infrastructure for IVI systems.

The Freescale i.MX6 multicore processors combine high performance, 3D graphics, high-definition video capabilities, and aggressive power management capabilities, making them ideal for use in developing multimedia applications, including next-generation IVI systems. Integrating one, two or four ARM Cortex-A9 cores, i.MX6 processors are further distinguished by optimal scalability, featuring software, pin and tools compatibility across family members.

“Mentor’s expertise in providing innovative technologies for the automotive industry was a key reason for our collaboration focused on i.MX6 processors and Mentor’s GENIVI-compliant IVI Base Platform,” said Ken Obuszewski, product marketing director for Freescale’s Multimedia Applications Division. “IVI applications continue to grow more popular and our collaborative solution with Mentor Graphics will help our mutual customers meet today’s demanding schedules and evolving requirements to deliver dynamic user experiences when using the IVI Base Platform for i.MX6 processors.”

“Our ongoing partnership with Freescale has created a broad range of embedded development platforms to help our mutual customers create new and dynamic products,” said Tony DiRenzo, business development director of automotive solutions, Mentor Graphics Embedded Software Division. “The IVI Base Platform for i.MX6 extends Mentor Embedded Linux with an automotive infotainment software stack that will reduce OEM development costs and create dynamic, customized solutions with minimal risk.”

The Mentor Graphics provides the most comprehensive set of electrical and electronic design automation solutions for the automotive, commercial vehicle, and off-highway industries worldwide, including OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. In conjunction with its leadership in the automotive market, Mentor serves on the GENIVI Alliance board and participates as premium members of AutoSar and JasPar.

The IVI Base Platform has achieved GENIVI compliance on three processor architectures to date. It integrates graphics, communication and multimedia middleware with libraries, system infrastructure, and management components on top of Linux® and relevant drivers. When Freescale’s highly scalable i.MX6 processors are combined with the Mentor Inflexion user interface product, the Mentor Embedded development tools and expert services, automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and their suppliers have a comprehensive solution for building next-generation IVI systems on open source software.