Softing Automotive has announced the launch of its new hybrid diagnostic solution, designed specifically for the evolving landscape of software-defined vehicles (SDVs). This development marks a significant advancement in automotive diagnostics, addressing the growing complexity of vehicle architectures and the increasing demand for scalable, future-proof diagnostic processes. The solution combines the proven Unified Diagnostic Services (UDS) technology with the emerging Service-Oriented Vehicle Diagnostics (SOVD) standard, enabling seamless integration across the entire vehicle lifecycle—from ECU development and testing to production, aftersales, and remote diagnostics.

The automotive industry is undergoing a paradigm shift, driven by electrification, autonomous driving, and the proliferation of connected vehicles. These trends are leading to more complex electronic and electrical (E/E) architectures, with a higher number of electronic control units (ECUs) and greater software content. As a result, traditional diagnostic approaches are no longer sufficient to meet the demands of modern vehicles. Softing’s hybrid diagnostic solution addresses these challenges by providing a platform-independent runtime environment, known as Softing SDE, which supports both legacy and next-generation diagnostic standards.

SOVD, the new diagnostic standard being developed by the Association for Standardization of Automation and Measuring Systems (ASAM), enables centralized, service-based, and remote-capable diagnostics directly within the vehicle. This is particularly important for Over-the-Air (OTA) updates, continuous vehicle health monitoring, and secure remote diagnostics. By integrating traditional methods like UDS and ODX with modern, service-oriented APIs, Softing’s solution ensures that manufacturers can maintain robust diagnostic processes while preparing for the future of connected and software-defined vehicles.

The hybrid diagnostic platform also supports advanced use cases such as diagnostic simulation and regression testing. These capabilities allow manufacturers to perform functional overall tests even without real ECUs or vehicles, maximizing test coverage and reducing errors and rework. Diagnostic simulation is especially valuable in test preparation, regression tests, and training facilities, where access to physical hardware may be limited. The case-oriented generation of simulation through trace import further enhances efficiency and ease of use.

For OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, the benefits of Softing’s solution include reduced training efforts, minimized migration costs, and a forward-looking architecture that supports both current and future diagnostic requirements. The platform’s ability to bridge traditional and service-oriented diagnostics makes it ideal for a smooth and scalable transition to connected diagnostics, ensuring that manufacturers can meet the high demands of modern vehicle diagnostics while maintaining operational efficiency.

As the automotive industry continues to embrace software-defined vehicles and connected mobility, the need for advanced diagnostic solutions will only grow. Softing’s hybrid diagnostic platform represents a critical step forward in this evolution, providing manufacturers with the tools they need to ensure the reliability, safety, and performance of next-generation vehicles. With the integration of SOVD and the continued development of diagnostic simulation and regression testing capabilities, Softing is helping to shape the future of automotive diagnostics and supporting the industry’s transition to a more connected and software-driven era.