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PREEvision: A Comprehensive Guide

The automotive industry is rapidly evolving with the growing demand for connected, electric, and autonomous vehicles. This transformation necessitates sophisticated electrical and electronic (E/E) architectures that require advanced tools for efficient design, development, and management. One such tool is PREEvision, a model-based development (MBD) environment tailored for E/E systems engineering. This article provides an in-depth exploration of PREEvision and its features, applications, and benefits.

What is PREEvision?

PREEvision is a model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tool developed by Vector Informatik. It facilitates the design and management of complex E/E architectures for modern vehicles. It supports a wide range of engineering disciplines, from requirements engineering to software and hardware development, network communication design, and validation.

Key Features of PREEvision

01. Comprehensive E/E Engineering

Supports the entire development lifecycle of vehicle E/E architectures.
Provides tools for requirements management, function modeling, software development, hardware design, and communication network modeling.

02. Model-Based Approach

Uses a structured model-based approach to streamline complex system designs.
Allows engineers to visualize the entire E/E architecture and analyze dependencies between components.

03. Integrated Toolchain

Seamlessly integrates with AUTOSAR, SysML, and other industry standards.
Provides interfaces for third-party tools, enabling efficient collaboration.

04. Collaboration and Traceability

Supports multi-user collaboration with role-based access control.
Ensures complete traceability from requirements to implementation.

05. Simulation and Validation

Offers simulation capabilities to test and validate system performance before physical implementation.
It helps in the early identification of potential failures and reduces development costs.

Applications of PREEvision

01. Automotive E/E Architecture Development: Helps in defining and managing vehicle architectures, including ECU networks, sensors, actuators, and communication channels.

02. Software and Function Development: Supports AUTOSAR-based software design, allowing seamless software integration into automotive systems.

03. Communication Network Design: Facilitates CAN, LIN, Ethernet, and FlexRay network design and optimization.

04. Electrification and ADAS Development: Aids in the design and implementation of EV powertrains, battery management systems, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

05. Requirements and Change Management: Ensures efficient handling of functional and non-functional requirements. Tracks changes throughout the development lifecycle.

Advantages of Using PREEvision

01. Reduced Development Time: Streamlines design processes and reduces errors through model-based simulations.

02. Improved Collaboration: Allows teams to work on a unified platform with centralized data management.

03. Enhanced Quality and Reliability: Ensures compliance with industry standards and best practices.

04. Scalability and Flexibility: Supports projects of various sizes, from small automotive systems to large-scale E/E architectures.

05. Cost Efficiency: Minimizes redesign efforts and reduces physical testing costs through early-stage validation.

Challenges in Implementing PREEvision

Despite its numerous advantages, there are some challenges in adopting PREEvision:

Learning Curve: Requires proper training for effective utilization.
Initial Setup Cost: The software and its integration with other tools may require significant investment.
Customization Needs: Additional customization may be required based on project-specific requirements.

Future of PREEvision in the Automotive Industry

With the increasing complexity of software-defined vehicles (SDVs), electrification, and autonomous driving, PREEvision is expected to play a crucial role in the automotive development process. Future advancements may include AI-driven design automation, digital twin integration, and cloud-based collaboration to further enhance efficiency.

Is PREEvision the Best Alternative to MATLAB Simulink? 🤔⚡

Both PREEvision and MATLAB Simulink are widely used in automotive development, but they serve different purposes. Can PREEvision really replace Simulink? Let’s compare!

PREEvision? 🛠️

PREEvision is a Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tool used for designing and managing E/E architectures in modern vehicles. It focuses on ECU architecture, network communication (CAN, LIN, Ethernet), AUTOSAR development, and wiring harness modeling. It also supports functional safety analysis (ISO 26262) and helps manage complex vehicle architectures.

MATLAB Simulink?

Simulink is a Model-Based Design (MBD) tool widely used for control system development, simulation, and embedded code generation. It is essential for dynamic system modeling, battery management (BMS), motor control, ADAS, and real-time HiL/SiL testing. Simulink allows engineers to simulate and optimize algorithms before deploying them into ECUs.

🔍 Key Differences

PREEvision is ideal for E/E system architecture, ECU communication, and AUTOSAR-based design, while Simulink specializes in control algorithm development, system simulation, and embedded software validation.

PREEvision does not offer physics-based simulation, while Simulink provides real-time simulation capabilities for ADAS, powertrain, and vehicle dynamics modeling. However, PREEvision offers AUTOSAR-compliant models that help streamline software architecture development.

⚖️ Can PREEvision Replace MATLAB Simulink?

No, PREEvision and Simulink are not direct alternatives—they complement each other in automotive development. Many companies use PREEvision for system-level architecture design and Simulink for control algorithm simulation and code generation.

Conclusion

PREEvision stands as a powerful solution for automotive E/E architecture development, providing a comprehensive and model-driven approach to designing complex vehicle systems. Its ability to integrate multiple engineering disciplines, enhance collaboration, and ensure traceability makes it a preferred tool for automotive manufacturers and suppliers worldwide. By leveraging PREEvision, companies can accelerate innovation, improve product quality, and stay competitive in the evolving automotive landscape.

This was about “PREEvision: A Comprehensive Guide To Model-Based Automotive E/E Engineering“. Thank you for reading.

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Chetan Shidling

Automotive | Technical Blogger | Engineer | Content Creator

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