NXP Semiconductors just unveiled the CoreRide Z248, the industry’s first pre-validated, ready-to-design zonal reference system. It combines 48V energy distribution, deterministic data handling, functional safety, and real-time performance to help automakers simplify complex zonal architectures.
At its heart is NXP’s S32K5 microcontroller series with advanced MRAM technology, enabling ultra-fast OTA updates across the vehicle lifecycle. The software stack handles everything from power monitoring and intelligent data routing to AI virtual sensing and diagnostics, all pre-integrated to cut development time.
The Z248 supports end-node integration and ECU consolidation for cost-optimized SDV architectures, while tackling 48V challenges like energy conversion and protection in one package. It’s been through thousands of system-level tests for low-power modes, fast boot, and wake-up response.
Why it matters: Automakers face pressure to deliver software-defined vehicles faster with hybrid powertrains and AI features. The Z248 reduces integration headaches, accelerates validation through CI/CT/CD workflows, and frees teams to focus on differentiation.
Delivered with a complete BSP featuring partners like GLIWA, Green Hills, and Vector, it scales across ICE, hybrid, and BEV platforms with Ethernet, CAN, eFuse, PMICs, and even zonal I/O extension. Check the S32K5 zonal MCU details for more.
Leadership Comment
“As new E/E architectures redefine vehicle design, our focus is simple: give the automotive ecosystem the foundation to move faster and differentiate with confidence,” said Sébastien Clamagirand, SVP and General Manager, Automotive Systems & Platforms at NXP Semiconductors. “The NXP CoreRide zonal reference system Z248 delivers a performance-optimized, scalable 48 V foundation that intelligently fuses power, data and software, while dramatically simplifying system integration, reducing time to market, and enabling OEMs to focus on vehicle differentiation and long?term value creation.”
Availability
The NXP CoreRide Z248 48V Zonal Reference System is available now for selected customers, supported by comprehensive system documentation such as a system safety manual, validated KPIs and software integration guidance to accelerate adoption in upcoming vehicle programs.
NXP CoreRide platform
The CoreRide zonal family is part of the NXP CoreRide platform, which marks a major step forward in helping automakers overcome software and hardware integration barriers, while scaling development efforts for new architectures in SDVs.
The platform integrates NXP’s S32 compute, networking, system power management and energy distribution with middleware, OSes, tooling and other software from the world’s leading automotive software providers.
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