New Delhi, July 11 -- Mid-sized IT company Tata Elxsi has signed an agreement with Synopsys, a firm known for its work in electronic design, to work together on new technology for cars.

The partnership aims to provide solutions that help car manufacturers develop and test software for vehicles more efficiently. These solutions involve creating virtual versions of electronic control units (ECUs), which are essential for modern cars that rely heavily on software. By combining Tata Elxsi's abilities in building and integrating systems with Synopsys' technology, already used by over 50 major car companies and suppliers worldwide, the collaboration seeks to simplify software development, cut costs, and reduce risks in vehicle production.

The two companies are already working with several global clients on projects that include virtual ECUs, software setup, and early testing. These efforts cover key vehicle systems such as engines, chassis, body controls, and central computing, allowing manufacturers to test software in realistic scenarios without needing physical prototypes.

The agreement also opens the door for further work on digital twins-virtual models of electronic systems-that could make car development faster and more scalable.

Sundar Ganapathi, Tata Elxsi's Chief Technology Officer for Automotive, said that the partnership responds to the changing needs of car manufacturers, who are moving away from traditional methods and seeking better integration of engineering and virtual tools.

Marc Serughetti, vice president at Synopsys, added that the shift towards software-driven cars requires advanced virtual tools, and combining their technology with Tata Elxsi's engineering experience will help manufacturers develop software faster and improve vehicle quality.

On Thursday, Tata Elxsi saw its net profit fall by 22%. This decline is due to economic uncertainties and issues affecting R&D spending. The company's revenue also decreased by 3.7%. Weakness in the automotive sector contributed to this drop. Despite challenges, the company said, though it aims to protect its business and expand customer relationships.

In a separate development last month, Tata Elxsi announced a collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India to advance vehicle software engineering. The focus is on improving software systems that are increasingly vital for modern vehicles, particularly as the industry moves towards software-defined vehicles. Mercedes-Benz is investing in these technologies to enhance user experience, vehicle performance, and adaptability while ensuring safety and reliability.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from TechCircle.