Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV)

SDV-ready E/E architectures with Zone Control Units (ZCU)

The wording software-defined vehicle (SDV) seems to be simplified and used for everything in development for new car platforms. But it is a paradigm change for the automotive industry from hardware-based engineering to a software-focused development of service-oriented architectures. Classical electrical/ electronic architectures (E/E architectures) and monolithic software architectures do not fit any more to this new trend. In consequence, the E/E architecture is transforming into zonal structure with centralized computing for both the in-vehicle networking (IVN) and the power distribution system (PDS).

The software-defined vehicle (SDV) trend has two main impacts on E/E architectures. The first one, mainly related to the IVN, resulting from the software complexity reduction, is the introduction of zonal E/E architectures with central computing and ethernet backbone. The second one, mainly related to the PDS, resulting from the wire harness complexity reduction, is the introduction of a decentralized, electrified power distribution. Both have in common the zone control units (ZCUs) which are the glue between IVN and PDS where they build a transformation / aggregation layer between central compute and endpoints. 

A zone control unit, or commonly called a zone controller, aggregates a set of vehicle functions related to their physical location, independent of a specific domain. The zone controllers are linked to each other and a central car computer via an ethernet backbone. In consequence, zone controllers have gateway, power distribution and load actuation functionality. In addition, when a 48 V primary power distribution is introduced into the E/E architecture, 48 V/12 V DC-DC functionality may get integrated. Details on the Infineon chip-set solutions, you can find on the corresponding zone controller application page.

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving (AD) are central to the software-defined vehicle (SDV) concept, as both rely heavily on software for innovation, adaptability, and functionality. Combining AI, sensor fusion, real-time data processing, and connectivity, these systems enable features like lane-keeping, adaptive cruise control, and autonomous driving. This naturally aligns with SDVs, which emphasize modular software design, cloud integration, and over-the-air updates to ensure continuous improvement. The SDV approach enhances ADAS/AD by supporting scalable deployment, frequent updates, and the integration of advanced computing and data management capabilities. Conversely, the complexity and safety demands of ADAS/AD systems are pushing SDV platforms to evolve, driving advancements in high-performance processors and cybersecurity. Together, ADAS/AD and SDVs complement and shape one another, positioning ADAS/AD as a key driver of the SDV transformation.

Power distribution is the controlled transport of energy via the power distribution system from the sources to all kinds of loads. In the software-defined vehicle (SDV), especially for ADAS & autonomous driving, but also chassis control & safety, and the central computer, the power distribution system must secure all time available or fail-operational supply according ISO 26262 to ensure up to ASIL D system compliance. Details on the Infineon chip-set solutions, you can find on the corresponding power distribution application page.

In the software-focused, service-oriented E/E architecture that is fundamental to the software-defined vehicle (SDV), the cockpit becomes a dynamic hub. Seamless over-the-air updates enable real-time adaptability and hyper-personalized driving experiences. Powered by scalable, connected platforms, SDV architecture transforms the cockpit computer into a driver-centric gateway to the future of connected mobility. Infineon’s comprehensive portfolio of cockpit computer solutions supports flexible integration into SDV architectures, either aspart of the central computing unit or as a standalone solution. This empowers our customers to design the next generation of intelligent software-defined vehicles (SDVs).

Infineon's Ethernet solutions play a vital role in supporting the transformation towards a software-defined vehicle (SDV), enabling the high-speed, reliable, and scalable communication required for applications in SDVs. They form the backbone of zonal architecture by connecting zone control units to each other, as well as to central car computers and future smart endpoints.

As the complexity of vehicle functionalities continues to grow, along with the increasing demand for data-intensive applications, Infineon's Ethernet solutions provide the necessary bandwidth and connectivity support to enable real-time data processing and decision-making. Our solutions serve as the foundation, for efficient communication between various processor/computing units and applications, seamlessly integrating zonal vehicle E/E architectures and centralized software architectures. Furthermore, the standardized nature of Ethernet networks simplifies the development of compatible components and systems. They also offer advanced safety and security features, such as redundancy, fault tolerance, and encryption.

By providing scalable, multi-gigabit solutions with robust reliability, Infineon's Ethernet solutions empower the software-defined vehicle (SDV) to support a wide range of applications, from Infotainment and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Autonomous Driving (AD) to cockpit and telematics applications and connected zone controllers. Our solutions also ensure the reliability and safety required for critical applications, meeting stringent automotive standards like ISO 26262 or cybersecurity ISO 21434.

For more information on Infineon's Ethernet solutions, check out our Ethernet portfolio.

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Interested in taking a step back to find out more about why Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs) matter, the challenges they face, and how Infineon can support you?

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