NEW DELHI: Infineon Technologies AG has announced a collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies to accelerate the development of advanced central car computers for software-defined vehicles (SDVs), combining automated driving capabilities with next-generation digital cockpit solutions.

Under a newly signed technology agreement, Infineon will develop a microcontroller-based subsystem for Qualcomm Technologies' Snapdragon Ride reference platforms, designed for high-performance computing and artificial intelligence (AI) applications inside vehicles.

The collaboration aims to bring together Qualcomm's high-performance system-on-chips (SoCs) and computing capabilities with Infineon's expertise in automotive safety, connectivity, power management and memory solutions. The integrated approach is expected to help automakers develop and deploy advanced vehicle computing systems more efficiently.

The subsystem will work alongside Qualcomm's Snapdragon Ride and Ride Flex platforms, coordinating computing and AI functions while ensuring reliable vehicle operations. It will monitor system health, coordinate safety mechanisms and support predictable, real-time control of safety-critical functions.

The solution will be built around Infineon's AURIX microcontroller, supported by its OPTIREG integrated circuits for power management. Infineon will also provide a dedicated software package that integrates microcontroller firmware with safety and monitoring software tailored to Qualcomm's platforms. This is expected to simplify integration for carmakers and Tier-1 suppliers and facilitate secure data exchange through vehicle networks such as Ethernet and CAN.

In addition to the microcontroller-based subsystem, Infineon will contribute its BRIGHTLANE automotive Ethernet and USB connectivity solutions, along with SEMPER NOR Flash memory qualified specifically for Snapdragon Ride platforms. These technologies are expected to strengthen data availability, connectivity and integrity across vehicle computing systems.

Peter Schiefer, President of Infineon's Automotive Division, said the collaboration would help the automotive industry develop a new generation of car computers combining advanced computing and AI capabilities with the reliability required for road safety. He highlighted the importance of integrating specialised components, including safety microcontrollers, power management, connectivity and memory devices, around powerful computing platforms.

The announcement comes ahead of electronica 2026, scheduled to be held in Munich, Germany, from November 10 to 13. Infineon will showcase semiconductor innovations and system solutions for the AI era, including technologies for software-defined electric vehicles, robotics, intelligent edge devices and energy-efficient power systems.

The company will exhibit its solutions in Hall C3, Booth 502, highlighting the growing role of semiconductor technologies in enabling intelligent, connected and energy-efficient applications across the automotive and industrial sectors.