AGL announces new Instrument Cluster Expert Group and UCB 8.0 Code release

Automotive Grade Linux (AGL), an open source project developing a shared software platform for in-vehicle technology, announced a new working group focused on Instrument Cluster solutions, as well as the latest code release of the AGL platform, the UCB 8.0.

The AGL Instrument Cluster Expert Group (EG) is working to reduce the footprint of AGL and optimise the platform for use in lower performance processors and low-cost vehicles that do not require an entire infotainment software stack. Formed earlier this year, the group plans to release design specifications later this year with an initial code release in early 2020.

“AGL is now supported by nine major automotive manufacturers, including the top three producers by worldwide volume, and is currently being used in production for a range of economy and luxury vehicles,” said Dan Cauchy, Executive Director of Automotive Grade Linux at the Linux Foundation. “The new Instrument Cluster Expert Group, supported by several of these automakers, will expand the use cases for AGL by enabling the UCB platform to support solutions for lower-cost vehicles, including motorcycles.”

AGL also announced the latest UCB 8.0 code release. Developed through a joint effort by AGL member companies, the AGL Unified Code Base (UCB) is an open source software platform that can serve as the de facto industry standard for infotainment, telematics and instrument cluster applications.

The AGL UCB 8.0, nicknamed “Happy Halibut,” includes an operating system, middleware and application framework. New updates to the platform include:

1.Device profiles for telematics and instrument cluster
2.Telematics Profile and demo available
3.Web App Manager (WAM) enhancements
4.Upgrade to Yocto version 2.6
5.Speech integration with Alexa Voice Agent
6.Multi-user security rules for the AGL Application Framework
7.Waltham transmitter and receiver now fully available in IVI and Instrument Cluster profiles
8.Window Manager and Home Screen Services - Window Manager and Compositor consolidation, Activity Manager, Input Manager
9.Audio Policy Manager
10.Pipewire as default audio build option
11.Writing to CAN bus fully supported and secured
12.Extensive Board Support Packages for major automotive reference hardware boards
13.Task manager application now available as an installable widget.