The Instrument Cluster is displayed on a large, curved LCD screen located behind the steering wheel. Porsche Taycan drivers can use control buttons on the steering wheel to select the information they want to see on the Instrument Cluster in addition to the speedometer. This includes meters that show how fast the car accelerates, the G-forces, the battery status and a navigation screen. In total the Cluster offers some thirty applications with screens. ICT Group developed the software for these applications that efficiently retrieve, process and display information from a large number of other sub systems embedded in the sports car. Prioritisation as well as fast and reliable availability of data are essential requirements for the Instrument Cluster.
ICT Group has also developed the software required for two touch panels that operate the comfort functions of the middle console. The touch panel with haptic feedback is located in front of the middle arm support and allows the driver to operate functions such as the phone, radio and navigation without having to move his hand to the middle console in the front. Passengers on the back seat have their own touch panel for operating the comfort functions.
ICT Group was chosen because of its extensive experience with the Automotive AUTOSAR standard, which offers a platform for embedded software development, as well as the Volkswagen-specific BAP communication protocol. Eeuwke Wielinga, director R&D Engineering at ICT Group: “We have already shown our knowledge of both standards and our ability to integrate them. What’s more, we have proven that our work processes are in compliance with the Automotive SPICE standard, and take into account the functional safety requirements in accordance with ISO26262. This is a requirement in order to be permitted to develop ‘automotive-grade’ software for the automobile industry.”
