- HighTec and SiFive are collaborating to speed up safety-ready RISC-V software development for automotive and industrial applications.
- The partnership combines safety-qualified LLVM-based Rust and C/C++ toolchains with scalable RISC-V processor IP supporting functional safety and cybersecurity requirements.
HighTec EDV-Systeme announced a strategic collaboration with SiFive on May 7 to advance safety-ready RISC-V software development targeting automotive and industrial systems. The partnership combines HighTec’s safety-qualified LLVM-based toolchains for Rust and C/C++ with SiFive’s safety-oriented RISC-V intellectual property portfolio. The collaboration is expected to support manufacturers and developers seeking scalable, secure, and standards-compliant software solutions for next-generation automotive electronics and industrial applications.
The partnership focuses on strengthening development environments that support high functional safety and cybersecurity requirements. HighTec’s Rust and C/C++ toolchain has been qualified according to ISO 26262 up to ASIL D, which is recognized as the highest automotive functional safety integrity level. The toolchain also complies with ISO 21434 cybersecurity standards, helping developers address increasing software complexity and security challenges across modern connected and software-defined vehicle architectures.
Key Technologies Included in the Partnership
The collaboration integrates advanced LLVM-based compiler technology with automotive-focused RISC-V processor IP. HighTec stated that its toolchain supports SiFive’s advanced RISC-V architectures while also delivering tuned performance enhancements for embedded applications. SiFive’s processor IP portfolio is designed to offer scalable performance while incorporating built-in support for functional safety and security requirements that are increasingly important for automotive electronic control units and industrial automation systems.
Core Features of the HighTec and SiFive Collaboration
The partnership is expected to help accelerate software development timelines while maintaining compliance with automotive safety standards. The combined offering targets developers building software for safety-critical systems requiring efficient compiler technology, optimized processing performance, and cybersecurity readiness.
- Safety-qualified LLVM-based Rust and C/C++ toolchains
- ISO 26262 qualification up to ASIL D
- ISO 21434 cybersecurity compliance support
- Automotive-focused RISC-V processor IP integration
- Scalable performance for automotive and industrial systems
Functional Safety and Cybersecurity Standards Overview
The collaboration highlights the growing importance of safety-certified software development ecosystems within the automotive semiconductor industry. As vehicle architectures become more software-centric, manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing secure development platforms capable of supporting autonomous functions, advanced driver assistance systems, and connected vehicle technologies. The integration of safety-ready RISC-V IP with qualified development toolchains can support faster deployment of reliable embedded software platforms.
| Technology Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Toolchain Technology | LLVM-based Rust and C/C++ toolchain |
| Functional Safety Standard | ISO 26262 up to ASIL D |
| Cybersecurity Standard | ISO 21434 |
| Processor Architecture | Automotive-focused RISC-V IP |
| Target Applications | Automotive and industrial systems |
The partnership between HighTec EDV-Systeme and SiFive reflects increasing momentum behind RISC-V adoption in automotive electronics. The availability of safety-qualified toolchains alongside scalable processor IP could support broader implementation of open-standard processor architectures in future mobility and industrial automation solutions. Companies operating in safety-critical domains are expected to benefit from development platforms capable of addressing both performance optimization and compliance-driven engineering requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the HighTec and SiFive partnership?
The partnership aims to accelerate safety-ready RISC-V software development for automotive and industrial systems using qualified software toolchains and safety-focused processor IP. HighTec contributes LLVM-based Rust and C/C++ toolchains qualified up to ISO 26262 ASIL D and compliant with ISO 21434 cybersecurity standards. SiFive provides automotive-focused RISC-V processor IP designed for scalable performance with integrated support for functional safety and security requirements. The collaboration targets developers building safety-critical embedded systems requiring reliable, standards-compliant software environments.
Which safety and cybersecurity standards are supported in the collaboration?
The collaboration supports ISO 26262 functional safety qualification up to ASIL D and ISO 21434 cybersecurity standards for automotive systems. HighTec’s LLVM-based Rust and C/C++ toolchains are qualified according to these standards, enabling developers to build safety-critical automotive and industrial applications. SiFive’s RISC-V processor IP also incorporates support for functional safety and security requirements. Together, the technologies are designed to help manufacturers address increasing software complexity, compliance demands, and cybersecurity risks in modern automotive electronic systems.
Click above to visit the official source.