Infineon Technologies and South Korea-based automotive tech firm HL Klemove have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand cooperation in software-defined vehicle technologies.

The agreement combines the German semiconductor manufacturer’s chip expertise and system-level capabilities with HL Klemove’s experience in advanced autonomous driving systems.

As part of the MoU, the companies will jointly develop “next-generation” zonal control unit applications using Infineon’s microcontrollers and power semiconductors.

HL Klemove will lead application development, while Infineon will provide semiconductor technology support.

Prototype development is included, with the aim of strengthening competitiveness in software-defined vehicle electronic architectures.

The partnership also covers vehicle Ethernet-based advanced driver assistance systems and camera solutions.

It includes work on front camera modules and an ADAS parking control unit based on Infineon’s Ethernet technology.

Infineon CSO of automotive and executive vice president Peter Schaefer said: “Based on our holistic product portfolio, deep system understanding and application know-how, Infineon aims to empower the automotive industry to accelerate time-to-market of software-defined vehicles.”

HL Klemove will handle system and product development, while Infineon will supply Ethernet semiconductors and networking technology to enable high-speed and “reliable” in-vehicle networks.

In addition, the MoU outlines cooperation on next-generation radar technologies.

HL Klemove will use Infineon’s radar semiconductor solutions to develop high-resolution and short-range satellite radar, supported by proof-of-concept activities to prepare for commercialisation.

The companies will also collaborate on high-resolution imaging radar intended to improve precise object recognition.

HL Klemove CEO Yoon-Haeng Lee added: “This collaboration marks an important milestone in realizing the next-generation electronic architecture required for the software-defined vehicle era. By combining HL Klemove’s system architecture and integration capabilities with Infineon’s semiconductor technology, we will accelerate innovation in key areas such as next-generation zonal controllers, vehicle Ethernet-based ADAS systems, and high-resolution radar.”

Last December, Infineon expanded its collaboration with Lenovo to develop computing platforms for autonomous driving.

The effort targets advanced driver assistance, energy efficiency and highspeed invehicle data exchange.