Marell and Infineon Technologies are collaborating to create cutting-edge E/E architecture solutions. Through this partnership, the two companies pool their automotive knowledge to create cutting-edge Zone Control Units (ZCUs) utilizing Infineon’s most recent AURIX TC4x microcontrollers (MCUs).
Infineon’s AURIX TC4x family expands the capabilities of automotive microcontroller units (MCUs) for secure and safe processing, and it is designed for future E/E designs.
High-speed communication interfaces like PCI Express and Multi-Gbit Ethernet are supported by the MCU series, along with newer interfaces like 10BASE-T1S and CAN-XL. This gives automakers exceptional data speed, performance, and flexibility when deploying next-generation E/E designs.
Marelli has developed a ZCU platform with significant features that are advantageous for the creation of cutting-edge software-defined vehicles by utilizing Infineon’s AURIX TC4x:
- Data Routing Engine: Ensures communication with ultra-low latency and improves the efficiency and speed of data transmission in the vehicle.
- Hypervisor Integration: Allows for independent software updates, which are critical to maintaining the latest features without system downtime.
- Lighting Control Software Integration: Enables an innovative lighting control system to be integrated into the ZCU, paving the way for future MCU-less lamps.
Software-defined vehicles are made possible in large part by the AURIX TC4x, which complies with ISO/SAE 21434 and offers robust security performance through an improved security cluster.
While the hypervisor serves as a virtualization layer that permits the mixing of programs created on several operating system platforms on a single AURIX TC4x platform, the integrated Data Routing Engine lowers CPU burden during data transfers.
Together with the hardware protection mechanism made possible by virtualization, this makes it easier to integrate several applications and guarantees that each has the resources and requirements that are specific to it.
Availability
Samples of the AURIX TC4x are now available. Further information is available at www.infineon.com/aurixTC4x. The latest Marelli ZCU demonstrator built with an AURIX TC4x microcontroller will be showcased at electronica 2024 in Munich from November 12 to 15 (hall C3, booth 502).
Key Comments
“Marelli and Infineon have a long history of working together and the joint development of our ZCUs is another significant step forward,” said Ravi Tallapragada, President of Marelli’s Electronic Systems business. “With Infineon’s contribution, Marelli is well positioned to strengthen its role as a partner to carmakers venturing into zonal architectures. This collaboration allows us to offer market-leading products that enable the implementation of software-defined vehicles and build on our industry-leading position in ZCUs.”
“We are proud of our proven and strong collaboration with Marelli, it underlines our shared commitment to excellence and innovation,” said Lars Wemme, Senior Vice President Product Line ADAS, Chassis, E/E Architecture at Infineon. “With our new microcontrollers, we are helping Marelli drive its innovative solutions and become a pioneer in the growing OEM zone control market.”