Accelerating automotive innovation: Introducing the Red Hat In-Vehicle Operating System Hardware Enablement Program

In the rapidly evolving landscape of intelligent and connected vehicles, innovation hinges on collaboration and streamlined processes. Red Hat is taking an important step to catalyze automotive advancements with the launch of its Hardware Enablement Program for the Red Hat In-Vehicle Operating System. This program is not just a gateway for hardware vendors to participate; it’s an invitation to shape the future of automotive technology. 

Empowering collaboration through open source 

At Red Hat, we believe that when hardware and software suppliers collaborate, the possibilities are boundless. The Hardware Enablement Program is designed to create a synergy where different entities work harmoniously, accelerating the enablement of various use cases, target hardware and the development of intelligent and connected vehicle applications.

Two tracks for diverse needs

Recognizing the diverse needs of hardware vendors, the program offers two distinct tracks: the experimental/development track and the production track. 

The experimental track is ideal for those who want to independently embark on the process, allowing vendors to test the compatibility of their hardware with the CentOS Automotive Stream Distribution (AutoSD) and Red Hat In-Vehicle Operating System. This testing phase is crucial, providing insights that pave the way for adjustments and improvements.

The production track is a comprehensive solution for those ready to release their hardware platforms to the market, backed by Red Hat In-Vehicle Operating System. This track not only involves enablement and integration but also a meticulous hardware certification process. This certification ensures that the reference platform meets Red Hat's stringent standards of stability, reliability and security, which are paramount in the automotive industry.

Leveraging the power of mainline inclusion

One pivotal aspect of the Hardware Enablement Program is the integration of hardware drivers into the Linux kernel mainline. This strategy offers diverse benefits for hardware vendors: It broadens compatibility across Linux distributions, lightens the maintenance load through community support, drives increased market adoption and fosters collaboration for driver optimization and enhanced reliability.

The ideal hardware: Aspirations and desires

As part of the program's vision, the ideal hardware encompasses alignment with Red Hat's driver criteria, collaboration within the Red Hat build environment, advanced virtualization capabilities, upstream device support for enhanced performance and compliance with existing industry standards. 

Seamless workflow for hardware enablement

The Hardware Enablement Program’s workflow allows hardware vendors to enable their hardware with CentOS AutoSD independently. They can develop drivers in Linux-next, Fedora, or CentOS AutoSD, with upstreaming to Linux-next being recommended for faster production enablement.

When transitioning to the production track, hardware drivers will need to be upstreamed into the Linux-next kernel (which is why, as always, Red Hat recommends working upstream), with Red Hat subsequently backporting them into the Red Hat In-Vehicle Operating System kernel. Additionally, Red Hat provides a Hardware Test Suite for the production track, ensuring hardware certification. Once test results are reviewed and approved, the hardware platform earns its place in the Red Hat catalog.

Conclusion

The Red Hat In-Vehicle Operating System Hardware Enablement Program offers a unique opportunity for hardware vendors to integrate their platforms into the Red Hat ecosystem seamlessly. By participating in this program, vendors can tap into the power of collaboration, get the benefit from upstreaming drivers to the Linux kernel mainline and receive valuable feedback from the open source community. 

Red Hat's commitment to creating a robust and innovative ecosystem, coupled with the advantages offered by the program, makes it a compelling opportunity for hardware vendors seeking to thrive in the software-defined vehicle market.

For more information about the program, visit the CentOS Stream Automotive SIG website.