High-performance computers are not the only important part of server-based architectures that Continental has accomplished with the series release of so-called Zone Control Units (ZCUs) for European and Asian automakers. Global automakers have placed several orders for zone control systems from the technology company.
Zone Control Units in Software-Defined Vehicles
Worldwide progress on software-defined vehicles development is being spearheaded by Continental’s electronics experts affirmed its official release. In software-defined vehicles, zone control units comprise the intermediate layer of the server-based electrical and electronic (E/E) architecture. They disperse the vehicle architecture, guarantee that the electronics communicate seamlessly across domains, minimize complexity, and are essential for over-the-air software updates in the car. These components are found in the high-performance processors and sensor and actuator levels.
“With high-performance computers, we are pioneers in the top control tier of server-based vehicle architectures. With zone control units, we also offer a solution for the middle tier. Our platform-based and modular development approach enables us to start series production within just over a year of receiving an order. This is how we are bringing the software-defined vehicle to the road more speedily,” says Jean-François Tarabbia, Head of the Architecture and Networking business area at Continental.
Optimized data links between ZCUs and electronic components of a physical zone
All electrical and electronic connections in a certain area of the car are bundled into one ZCU. For instance, ZCUs handle all servicing and data management duties in the front, back, and left or right sections of the vehicle.
In a physical zone, this maximizes data routes between ZCUs and electrical parts like sensors and actuators. Rather than having as many as one hundred or more separate control units as previously, the architecture now has less complexity and lighter design, which lowers CO2 emissions. This makes it possible to simplify the extremely intricate wire harness seen in current cars to the point that automakers will eventually be able to install it automatically.
ZCUs are often linked to the corresponding high-performance computer by a robust Ethernet connection, which allows them to support high-performance computer characteristics like optimal cybersecurity and update capability, as well as the separation of hardware and software. They are also in charge of specific duties including decentralized energy supply, signal to service conversion, control, real-time operations, and communication management.
Scalable portfolio for the new E/E architecture
It’s a planned fresh start: instead of integrating distinct functions or functional regions into each vehicle’s particular control unit as was done in the past, a new strategy is being implemented. With the increasing software-defined driving and integration of the car into the Internet of Things (IoT), the intricate E/E architecture and its numerous embedded systems are becoming obsolete.
A simplified design consisting of only three layers holds the key to the solution: individual sensors and actuators operate at the “base.” The intermediate level of local control, software, and data administration is situated above this.
One unique aspect of this ZCU tier is that data flows from several domains combine here and are coordinatedly delivered to the top control level, which consists of a few high-performance computers. To guarantee that directives from the server layer are executed and turn take on the role of middlemen. Furthermore, the ZCU offers up to 40 amps of electrical protection in addition to powering the peripheral ECUs. ZCUs also provide a way forward for 48-volt electrical systems in the future. Naturally, the ZCUs also meet functional safety criteria.Platform for the service-oriented and software-driven vehicle.
“A ZCU is like a tailor-made workhorse and gateway in the vehicle. This new architecture considerably simplifies the wiring harness and thus saves weight. The clear division of tasks, the separation of hardware and software and the standardization of interfaces make it much easier to manage the growing complexity and the virtually exploding scope of software in the vehicle,” explains Dragos Bohotineanu, Head of ZCU product group in the Architecture and Networking business area at Continental.
The ZCUs streamline data management and service delivery as local data nodes. Additionally, the ZCUs provide the safe installation of updates that are delivered to the car “over the air.” Certain components of cybersecurity guarantee this. You are free to customize any ZCU to best meet the needs of a given application thanks to the platform’s modular design.
As proven application software can continue to be used in new vehicle models, the validation effort is reduced and development is accelerated – this could speed up the product launch speed. “With our platform for zone control units, we support our customers in mastering and minimizing complexity,” says Bohotineanu. The potential to make the E/E architecture of software-defined vehicles more efficient will further increase the relevance of this product solution in the future.
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