Revolutionary HighTec Rust Compiler Elevates Infineon Aurix Microcontrollers

HighTec has announced the launch of an ISO 26262 Asil D qualified Rust compiler specifically for Infineon’s Aurix microcontrollers. This development aims to enhance security, safety, and efficiency in automotive software development.

In the world of software-defined vehicles (SDVs), dealing with security, complexity, and cost-effectiveness is a major challenge. The industry is increasingly looking for programming solutions that offer better security and efficiency.

Rust, a programming language known for its memory safety features, stands out against traditional languages by minimizing security risks, speeding up development cycles, and reducing costs. It offers compile-time memory safety checks, which help prevent common vulnerabilities found in systems coded with C/C++, such as buffer overflows and pointer issues. These checks simplify the development process and cut down on the need for extensive runtime testing and debugging, thereby reducing both complexity and associated expenses.

Rust can eliminate up to 70% of serious security bugs, as evidenced by Google’s use of it for Android OS. Recently, both the National Security Agency (NSA) and the White House in the USA have emphasized the importance of memory-safe languages for creating secure and reliable systems.

HighTec’s new Rust compiler complements its existing Asil D qualified C/C++ compiler for Infineon’s Aurix microcontrollers. Both compilers are built on the LLVM open-source technology, making it easy to combine new Rust code with existing C/C++ code. This flexibility allows developers to identify and rewrite critical security functions in Rust while integrating them into their overall system.

There is growing interest in Rust for Aurix TC3x and TC4x microcontrollers among original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), tier-one suppliers, and automotive software providers. This interest is fueled by Rust’s ability to facilitate compliance with standards like ISO 21434 and UNECE.

“There is a strong market demand among Aurix customers in the automotive and other dependability-focused segments for efficient methods to enhance security-critical software,” said Thomas Schneid, Senior Director at Infineon. “The unique benefits of Rust, along with HighTec’s Rust and C/C++ compilers, perfectly suit the architecture-specific functions of Aurix microcontrollers. With the latest safety qualified HighTec Rust compiler, customer expectations can be fully met.”

Mario Cupelli, CTO at HighTec, added, “We are proud to be the first to offer a fully ISO 26262 Asil D qualified Rust compiler for Aurix TC3x and TC4x developers. Alongside our highly optimized C/C++ compiler, we provide reliable and efficient tools for Aurix.”

The first version of the Aurix Rust compiler is ISO 26262 Asil D qualified. HighTec supports the safety qualification process with a TÜV-certified qualification kit, offering flexibility for various use cases. The compiler, designed with Rust developers in mind, includes a preconfigured cargo build system, providing easy access to a wide Rust software ecosystem. This ecosystem includes IO crates, drivers, Rust runtime, examples, and Rust integration of PXROS-HR, HighTec’s safety-certified real-time operating system.