Infineon Technologies AG is collaborating with Qualcomm Technologies to speed up the development of central computing systems for software-defined vehicles (SDVs). Under a new technology agreement, Infineon will provide a microcontroller-based subsystem for Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Ride reference platforms, which support high-performance computing and artificial intelligence (AI) applications inside vehicles.
The collaboration combines Qualcomm’s high-performance system-on-chips (SoCs) with Infineon’s expertise in hardware and software for safety management, connectivity and memory management. The companies aim to make it easier for automakers to develop and deploy central car computers that can support advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), automated driving functions and digital cockpit features.
The announcement comes ahead of electronica 2026, scheduled for 10–13 November in Munich, Germany. At the event, Infineon will showcase its semiconductor solutions for the AI era, including technologies that support centralised computing architectures in software-defined vehicles (SDVs).
“With Qualcomm Technologies’ Snapdragon Ride, we enable the automotive industry to build and scale a new generation of car computers that combine tremendous computing and AI capabilities with the reliability required on the road,” said Peter Schiefer, President of the Automotive Division at Infineon. “Our collaboration reflects a fundamental approach to centralized vehicle computing, which combines a powerful SoC with a set of specialized components around it, including a safety microcontroller, power management, connectivity and memory devices. All these components need to work together seamlessly to help enable safe vehicle operation. Infineon provides essential functional building blocks and integration expertise for building the trust foundation for software-defined vehicles that leverage the power of AI.”
The microcontroller-based subsystem is complementary and designed to operate alongside Qualcomm Technologies’ Snapdragon Ride and Ride Flex reference platforms. It helps coordinate the advanced computing and AI capabilities of the Snapdragon Ride platforms with reliable vehicle behaviour by monitoring system health, coordinating safety mechanisms and enabling predictable, real-time control of safety-critical functions. The subsystem is built around an Infineon AURIX microcontroller, while Infineon OPTIREG ICs provide dependable power management.
A dedicated Infineon software package for the microcontroller-based subsystem allows carmakers and Tier-1 suppliers to develop and scale systems quickly. It pre-integrates the firmware for Infineon’s microcontroller with specific safety and monitoring software tailored to the requirements of Qualcomm Technologies’ platforms. This enables the microcontroller to work together seamlessly with the overall platforms, including the SoC and its own safety mechanisms. Furthermore, the software package simplifies platform integration into vehicle networks such as Ethernet and CAN for fast and secured data exchange with other systems.
Beyond the microcontroller-based subsystem, Infineon contributes additional technologies to the Snapdragon Ride ecosystem. These include BRIGHTLANE Automotive Ethernet and USB connectivity solutions, as well as SEMPER NOR Flash memory that has been qualified specifically for the Snapdragon Ride platforms. Together, they further support the flow, availability and integrity of data across the platforms.
By bringing together their complementary capabilities, Infineon and Qualcomm Technologies are enabling a new generation of powerful central car computers for automated driving and digital cockpit applications.
Infineon at electronica 2026
At this year’s electronica in Munich, Germany, Infineon showcases semiconductor innovations and system solutions for the AI era. As intelligence moves beyond the cloud and into machines, vehicles, industrial systems and everyday devices, technology from Infineon helps machines sense, process, connect and act in a safe, secure and energy- efficient way. At electronica 2026, Infineon will show technologies for Physical AI in robotics, for intelligent edge devices, software-defined electric vehicles, and future power supply from renewable power generation to AI data centres. Infineon will present innovative and energy-efficient solutions for an increasingly intelligent and connected world from November 10 to 13 in Hall C3, Booth 502.
