Zone control unit
Efficient aggregation of power distribution, gateway, and multiple load actuations - discover our scalable and flexible zone controller solutions
A revolutionary E/E architecture transformation
Comprised of the power distribution (PD) system and the in-vehicle network (IVN), legacy E/E architectures are predominantly organized in domains connected via gateways. However, the software-defined vehicle (SDV) trend and wire harness optimization are driving a shift towards zonal architectures with central computing.
In this new architecture, the power distribution system is electrified with the secondary PD being integrated in the zone controllers. In parallel, the IVN for data and signal distribution transitions from a flat domain architecture to a hierarchical layer structure, comprising a central computer, zonal controllers that function as the data aggregation and routing layer, and the endpoints.
Finally, zone controllers aggregate multiple ECU functions within the local zone of the ZCU, which therefore requires not only power distribution and gateway functions, but also load control capabilities. Our commitment to quality ensures our advanced chipsets are tailored for this transformation, enabling seamless integration and fully unleashing the technical and commercial potential of zonal architectures.
Infineon's power distribution solutions - A platform-ready portfolio
Zone controller designs require scalable and flexible semiconductor chip-set solutions. Specific needs depend on the extent of functional aggregation, the diversity of gateway communication interfaces and protocols, the associated performance requirements, and the number of output variants for load control.
Infineon offers scalable product families to enable module designs fitting to all kinds of zonal controller variants. These include discrete and integrated power supply solutions, such as our OPTIREG™ product families, supplementary NOR Flash solutions and of course our microcontroller solutions: While the AURIX™ family enables ZCU-integration of high-end computing performance functions, the TRAVEO™ microcontrollers serve as a complementary low-end alternative for price-performance optimized zone controllers. Infineon's PROFET™ smart power switches, MOSFETS and corresponding gate drivers are best-in-class in terms of current scalability and adaptability and finally, our broad MOTIX™ solutions portfolio enables any power actuation functions that ZCU designers may encounter.
Easily adoptable ISO-26262 automotive PDC solutions
Infineon's AURIX™ microcontrollers are best-in-class for ASIL-D functional safety designs and are complemented by the TRAVEO™ family for ASIL-B needs (partly with ASIL-D island). Corresponding OPTIREG™ power supply solutions come with easily-implementable safety manuals, enabling not only a safe design, but also a quick realization of functional safety goals. The MOTIX™ motor control solutions and the PROFET™ smart power switches are ISO-ready and partly ISO-compliant with plenty of safety documentation available, allowing the overall easiest functional safety design in the market.
Meeting zone control unit connectivity needs with our advanced MCUs
Due to the aggregation of control functions in an ever-reducing number of control units and the simultaneous increase in sensor data, electronic functions and network capabilities, the connectivity requirements of zone control units are increasing immensely. This implies the need for improved computing power per zone controller MCU and also requires significantly more interfaces to end points. In some cases, multi-gigabit interfaces are required to accommodate communication along the in-vehicle network. Infineon microcontrollers address these challenges and set new standards in the use of automotive MCUs for safe and secure processing. They come in a wide range of connectivity options, from traditional automotive low-speed interfaces to very fast multi-gigabit Ethernet interfaces.
The optimal way to transport and use electrical energy in the car
Driven by an increasing demand for power in the car for ADAS, automated drive (AD) functions, central computing, electrical power steering, infotainment, electro-mechanical braking or brake-by-wire, automotive 12 V power distribution systems are reaching their limit. As a solution, the adoption of a 48 V-based system emerges as the most efficient and compliant approach for transporting and utilizing electrical energy within regulatory frameworks, particularly with regard to contact protection ISO 6469-3.
This has spurred significant discussions regarding a comprehensive car-level strategy, aiming to achieve substantial system-wide cost savings through significant enhancements in efficiency, power losses, and wire harness optimization – encompassing aspects such as component cost, weight, complexity, routing, manufacturing, and assembly – all achievable with a holistic 48 V approach.
With more and more applications potentially moving from 12 V to 48 V, requirements towards the automotive zone controller with its integrated secondary power distribution change significantly. Infineon supports this trend with forward-compatible system designs and a subsequent 48 V product portfolio.
How to get started with your zone controller design
When designing a zonal controller, customers face a variety of challenges. They need to balance the complexity of functional aggregation, the diversity of gateway communication interfaces and protocols, and the associated performance requirements, while also considering the number of output variants for load control. They have to optimize the overall system to ensure scalability, flexibility, and reliability, and design it to fit the specific needs of different vehicle or platform variants.
Infineon support customers in overcoming these challenges. Our core competences include operational excellence, a zero-defect mentality, global customer support, system competence teams, and adherence to the highest automotive qualification standards. We also offer a broad portfolio of products that meet the latest industry standards, such as AEC-Q 100/101 qualification, and provide extensive documentation and support for safety-critical applications. To get started with your zone controller design, please contact your Infineon contact to engage with our experts and leverage our resources, including self-support collaterals, whitepapers, application notes, evaluation kits, and datasheets.
- Smart power switches and controllers not only are they key partners for the realization of automated driving but they are also one of the founding blocks of current automotive megatrends.
- They are essential when it comes to supplying and distributing power, as well as protecting devices from excessively high current or temperature.
