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MICROSAR Switch

Scalable, vendor‑independent software for Ethernet Switch-ECUs.
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An Ethernet switch enables efficient communication between vehicle components in Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs), this is MICROSAR Switch. It provides advanced switching capabilities for high-speed, secure, and reliable data exchange, supporting the complex and data-intensive requirements of modern automotive systems.

MICROSAR Switch is designed for software engineers, system architects, and technical leads who develop and integrate Ethernet-based networks. It supports projects that range from legacy network designs to scalable, zonal and software-defined architectures.

Key Benefits at a Glance

  • Adapt to Diverse Network Architectures
    Deploy MICROSAR Switch across a wide range of Ethernet communication scenarios. From legacy network designs to advanced zonal architectures with multiple ECUs and high-performance computing platforms
  • Reduce Load on Host Controllers
    Offload key networking tasks such as initialization, traffic inspection, time-sensitive networking, and health monitoring to the switch firmware to improve startup time and runtime performance
  • Enable Scalable and Secure SDV Networking
    Manage dynamic switch configurations, simplify updates, and ensure comprehensive network security to support evolving Software-Defined Vehicle architectures
  • Integrate Seamlessly into Existing Networks
    Import existing network descriptions such as AUTOSAR communication extracts and incorporate switch updates into established processes
  • Ensure Vendor-Independent Development
    Use a hardware-agnostic solution based on proven MICROSAR Classic software and tooling to create a consistent, efficient development workflow across switch platforms

Key Features of MICROSAR Switch

MICROSAR Switch combines switch control, cybersecurity, and lifecycle integration in a single software stack.

Advanced Networking & Diagnostics

  • Optimized, deterministic ethernet communication 

  • Time-sensitive networking (TSN) –related functions and precise time synchronization support (depending on hardware capabilities) 

  • Robust diagnostics for monitoring network health 

Switch Management & Configuration

  • Configure Ethernet switch parameters using standardized workflows 

  • Maintain consistent behavior across different switch vendors and devices

  • AUTOSAR-based configuration via imported extracts possible 

Security

  • Hardware-accelerated firewall filtering 

  • Deep packet inspection support 

  • Integration of intrusion detection reporting mechanisms 

  • MACsec support 

Software Updates

  • Software updates with verification, downgrade protection, and key revocation 

  • Updatable firewall policies for evolving vehicle network security 

  • Transparent flash access without OTA option or on‑switch bootloader 

Supported Hardware and Compilers
MICROSAR Switch is largely hardware-independent, providing high flexibility across platforms and project setups. By sharing your required combination of derivatives, compilers and basic software modules at an early stage, you ensure a perfect fit for your specific requirements. This enables Vector to deliver a tailored solution and support a smooth and efficient project start.
Overview of Supported Hardware and Compilers

MICROSAR Switch in Everyday Development

MICROSAR Switch is a scalable, feature-rich and highly customizable firmware, specifically engineered for Ethernet switches with an integrated CPU subsystem. It abstracts vendor-specific details and exposes a consistent configuration and management interface. 

Typical Steps to Get Started

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1. The Tier 1 creates a signed switch image and optionally also a host image.

2. The OEM creates a download container from these images. The container gets optionally signed and or encrypted it based on the OEMs requirements.

3. The download container is rolled out, so that it can be downloaded by external testers.

4. The tester establishes a connection with the host controller or processor on the ECU that runs the diagnostic stack.

5. The host forwards the request to corresponding internal submodule that is responsible for the software update.

6. The host uses MICROSAR Switch’s communication interface vRpcProxy to transfer- and control the update via an ECU-internal Ethernet link. 

7. Using the memory driver, the image is written to the external flash.

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Inside MICROSAR Switch

A closer look at how MICROSAR Switch fits into your system architecture.

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MICROSAR Switch architecture

The depicted network topology illustrates the typical zonal architecture used in Software-Defined Vehicles. The zonal ECU is built around a Switch SoC with an integrated CPU subsystem, along with a host microcontroller and/or microprocessor.  

Key architectural aspects

  • Defined interfaces for configuration, monitoring, and diagnostics 

  • Designed for integration into larger software platforms and toolchains 

  • Seamless Integration of switch software updates into the OEM process 

  • Full compatibility with AUTOSAR, including a built-in protocol for host connectivity 

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