MICROSAR IO – Lightweight Software Base Layer for Small ECUs Image rights: Vector Informatik GmbH
Vector and Microchip Technology Inc. are further expanding their collaboration in the field of embedded software and microcontroller platforms. The aim is to offer customers pre-integrated, fully aligned hardware and software solutions specifically designed for small, resource-constrained control units. Initial results are already available: Vector provides ready-to-use support of MICROSAR IO on Microchip dsPIC33A DSCs.
Aligned Integrated Solutions for Faster Development
Vector and Microchip closely align their products to ensure early hardware and software compatibility and to facilitate joint further development. For customers, this approach reduces integration effort, lowers project risks, and enables an earlier start to application development.
MICROSAR IO is a lightweight software base layer specifically developed for sensor and actuator control units with very limited resources and now off-the-shelf supported for Microchips dsPIC33A DSC microcontroller. As a result, project start-up is accelerated, internal ramp-up phases are reduced, and time to implementation is shortened.
Comments
“Our collaboration with Vector underscores Microchip’s commitment to delivering interoperable, production-ready embedded solutions,” said Joe Thomsen, corporate vice president of Microchip’s dsPIC business unit. “With MICROSAR IO configured for our dsPIC33A digital signal controllers, customers can accelerate development and build cost-optimized ECUs for software-defined vehicles. Designed for high-performance, real-time control with integrated peripherals for sensing, motor control and power conversion, dsPIC33A devices help simplify system design and improve overall efficiency.”
Added Value for Customers in the Software-Defined Vehicle
The joint solution is specifically designed for cost-sensitive and compact sensor and actuator control units within Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) architectures. As part of the functional decomposition in SDV architectures, complex logic is shifted to the HPC and zonal level, while edge nodes are limited to their essential tasks using lean software. This enables the use of cost-efficient hardware platforms in high volumes while simultaneously reducing overall system complexity.
The pre-integration of MICROSAR IO on the dsPIC33A hardware platform offers clear benefits to customers.
- Accelerated time-to-market: Ready-to-use, tested platforms enable an immediate start to development
- Reduced integration effort: Hardware and software are already aligned
- Simplified application development: Lean software for sensor and actuator control units facilitates implementation
- Efficient implementation of customer requirements: Close collaboration between the partners enables rapid adaptations
In addition, Vector defines an open, standardized hardware abstraction interface. This allows MICROSAR IO to be easily and quickly ported to additional Microchip hardware platforms in the future – an approach that promotes cross-manufacturer and interoperable software solutions.
Comments
“The pre-integration of MICROSAR IO on Microchip dsPIC33A demonstrates how aligned hardware and software significantly simplify the development process for small control units. Our collaboration with Microchip Technology enables us to respond to customer requirements and deliver suitable solutions,” says Jochen Rein, Senior Vice President Business Unit Software at Vector.
Evaluation Bundle Available
To support customers, Vector and Microchip are providing the corresponding MICROSAR IO Evaluation Bundle. It includes sample applications as well as support for Microchip’s dsPIC33A platform and will soon be available free of charge via the Vector Download Center.
Joint Presence at embedded world 2026
The ready-to-use embedded solution will be presented for the first time at embedded world in March 2026 in Nuremberg. At Microchip’s booth, Vector and Microchip will showcase a joint demo featuring selected MICROSAR IO use cases on dsPIC33A hardware. In addition, Vector will offer a technical deep dive into MICROSAR IO at its own booth. Experts from both companies will be available on site for technical discussions.