Skip to main content

Vector and HighTec bring functional safety applications to the road with Rust and AUTOSAR Classic

Vector and HighTec EDV-Systeme have launched the world’s first successful integration of Rust applications with C-based AUTOSAR Classic basic software and thus remove the last hurdles for the use of Rust in the automotive sector. With Vector's MICROSAR Classic Safe basic software in combination with HighTec's automotive grade LLVM open-source-based Rust and C/C++ compiler tools for Infineon AURIX™ TC3x and TC4x, embedded developers can use the Rust memory safe programming language with all its advantages for functional safety applications even in the most demanding automotive ECUs. Both Vector's basic software and HighTec's compilers are safety-certified according to ISO 26262 up to ASIL D.

The modern programming language Rust is characterized by unique features for memory integrity and conflict-free concurrency at very high performance, which significantly reduces safety risks, shortens development cycles and lowers costs. It is therefore currently the best choice for safety-relevant automotive systems that place high demands on safety and robustness.

The basic software MICROSAR Classic Safe from Vector is an ISO 26262 ASIL D qualified AUTOSAR Classic implementation and provides an integration of application software written in Rust. HighTec is the first provider of an ISO 26262 ASIL D qualified Rust compiler for the AURIX microcontroller series TC3x and TC4x from Infineon. Like the C/C++ compiler from HighTec, this uses the advanced open-source technology LLVM and supports all the advantages of Rust. This comprehensive toolchain offering allows developers to seamlessly integrate newly developed Rust code with existing C/C++ code. The two partners Vector and HighTec proved that AUTOSAR software components written in Rust can be efficiently embedded in an existing AUTOSAR Classic environment.

Integration of AUTOSAR software components (SWCs) written in Rust into an existing AUTOSAR Classic environment (image rights: Vector)

“With this new solution from Vector and HighTec, developers create safe, efficient and flexible ECU software by combining the best of Rust and established C-based AUTOSAR development,” said Dr. Falco Bapp, Senior Manager Solution Management for Embedded Software & Systems at Vector. “This is a significant step for the future of automotive software development!”
“The joint solution from HighTec and Vector drives the automotive customer with a competitive advantage to build fast safe and secure software”, said Mario Cupelli, CTO at HighTec. “Together with Vector we shape the future of automotive software.”


Further information on MICROSAR Classic Safe can be found at https://www.vector.com/int/en/products/products-a-z/embedded-software/microsar/use-cases-overview/#c314734.

Further information on HighTec's Rust compiler for Infineon AURIX TC3x and TC4x at www.hightec-rt.com/rust.