Quick Summary: Tata Elxsi and Synopsys have partnered to develop advanced virtual ECU (vECU) solutions to support the growing shift toward software-defined vehicles. The collaboration aims to simplify software development and testing, reduce costs, and shorten production timelines. By combining Tata Elxsi’s engineering expertise with Synopsys’ virtualization technology, the partnership will help automotive companies validate software earlier and rely less on physical prototypes.
Full Article: Tata Elxsi, a global design and technology company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Synopsys, a leader in chip-to-system design tools. The agreement, announced at the SNUG India 2025 event in Bengaluru, focuses on developing advanced virtual ECU (vECU) solutions for the automotive industry.
This partnership aims to simplify and speed up the development and testing of software-defined vehicles (SDVs). By offering pre-verified and integrated virtual ECU solutions, the companies hope to reduce costs, cut down development time, and lower risks during production.
Tata Elxsi brings its deep expertise in embedded systems and software integration, while Synopsys contributes its widely used virtualization technology, trusted by over 50 global automotive companies. Together, they aim to help automakers manage the growing complexity of vehicle software development.
The two companies are already working with global customers to develop vECUs, integrate board support packages (BSP), and carry out early-stage software validation. These virtual solutions are being applied to key areas like powertrain, chassis, body control, gateways, and central computing systems. The goal is to test software in virtual environments early on reducing the need for physical prototypes.
Looking ahead, Tata Elxsi and Synopsys plan to explore more ways to scale these solutions, including the use of digital twins for systems with multiple ECUs or specific applications.
Tata Elxsi’s CTO, Sundar Ganapathi, said, “This partnership with Synopsys supports the shift in how vehicles are being developed. Automakers now need tightly integrated engineering and virtualization tools, and this collaboration helps meet that need with flexibility and expertise.”
Marc Serughetti, Vice President at Synopsys, added, “As the industry moves to software-defined vehicles, virtual ECUs will be essential. Combining Synopsys’ digital twin technology with Tata Elxsi’s practical automotive experience will help improve software quality and speed up development.”