Bench Talk

Embracing Vehicle Electronics and Zone Architecture

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The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by advancements in vehicle electronics. Modern vehicles are now equipped with sophisticated technology and semiconductors, enabling greater intelligence, electrification, and safety than ever before. This evolution has given rise to the concept of software-defined vehicles (SDVs), where car manufacturers can provide enhanced services, personalization, and convenience to drivers and passengers alike.

The Rise of Software-Defined Vehicles

Unlike traditional vehicles, where functionalities are largely hardware-dependent, SDVs rely heavily on software to define and control various aspects of the vehicle’s operation. This approach allows for numerous automotive advancements, including:

1. Enhanced Services: Through over-the-air (OTA) updates, manufacturers can continuously improve vehicle performance, add new features, and fix bugs without requiring a visit to the dealership.
2. Personalization: Drivers can customize their vehicles to their preferences, from adjusting the infotainment system to personalizing driving modes and safety settings.
3. Convenience: Integrating advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), autonomous driving capabilities, and seamless connectivity ensures a more comfortable and efficient driving experience.

The Role of Zone Architecture

A critical enabler of SDVs is the implementation of zone architecture. Traditional vehicle electronics were organized by function, with specific electronic control units (ECUs) dedicated to engine control, braking, and infotainment tasks. This functional approach often resulted in a complex web of wiring, increased weight, and higher costs.

Zone architecture, on the other hand, organizes ECUs based on their physical location within the vehicle. This method offers several key advantages:

1. Reduced Cabling: By situating ECUs close to the sensors and actuators they control, zone architecture significantly reduces the amount of wiring needed. This not only simplifies the vehicle’s electrical system but also enhances reliability.
2. Weight Reduction: Less cabling translates to a lighter vehicle, which can improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions in combustion engines or extend the range in electric vehicles.
3. Cost Efficiency: Simplified wiring and reduced weight contribute to lower manufacturing and operational costs, making advanced vehicle technologies more accessible.

Leveraging Familiar Communication Protocols

Zone architecture employs established communication protocols, such as Ethernet, controller area network (CAN), and local interconnect network (LIN), to manage the increasing volume of data transmitted within modern vehicles. These protocols ensure efficient, reliable, and secure data exchange between various ECUs and systems within the vehicle. For each of these protocols, Texas Instruments offers designers the necessary solutions. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits to SDVs:

• Ethernet: Known for its high bandwidth and speed, Ethernet is ideal for data-intensive applications like ADAS and infotainment systems. Texas Instruments provides various Ethernet PHYs.
• CAN: With its robust performance and fault tolerance, CAN is well-suited for critical functions, including engine control and safety systems. The Texas Instruments TCAN341x 3.3V CAN FD Transceivers are compatible with the physical layer requirements of the ISO 11898-2:2016 high-speed CAN specification and can support up to 8Mbps in simpler CAN networks.  
• LIN: This is a cost-effective solution for less demanding applications, providing reliable communication with minimal complexity. The TLIN1028-Q1/TLIN1028S-Q1 LIN Transceiver  complies with LIN 2.2A ISO/DIS 17987-4.2 standards using an integrated LDO voltage regulator.

Connecting the vast amount of sensors that enable modern functions requires reliable data conversion and transmission technologies. One such technology is the AEC-Q100-qualified FPD-Link Deserializer DS90UB9702-Q1 from Texas Instruments. It provides a 7.55Gbps forward channel and a 47.1875Mbps bidirectional control channel. These channels connect up to four raw data sensors to central processing units over an automotive coaxial or STP cable. When coupled with the DS90UB971-Q1 Serializer, the deserializer receives video data from imagers supporting ultra-high resolutions (8MP+/40fps) or multiple sensors in various topologies. Suitable processors with adequate processing power include the TDA4VE-Q1/TDA4AL-Q1/TDA4VL-Q1 SoC Processors, targeted at smart vision camera applications.

To provide the necessary power at the right location, the automotive-qualified TPS6594-Q1 Power Management IC features four flexible multi-phase configurable step-down converters with 3.5A per phase and one additional step-down converter with 2A capability.

Many of today’s automotive features require precise motor control. This is the forte of the fully integrated DRV824x-Q1 40V 32A H-Bridge Driver, intended for a wide range of applications. The device can be configured as a single full-bridge driver or two independent half-bridge drivers.

The Future of Vehicle Electronics

As the automotive industry continues to innovate, the integration of advanced electronics and software-defined functionalities will become increasingly prevalent. Zone architecture will play a pivotal role in this evolution, enabling smarter, more efficient, and safer vehicles.

Manufacturers and suppliers must stay ahead of these trends, investing in research and development to harness the full potential of software-defined vehicles. By doing so, they can offer drivers unprecedented levels of service, personalization, and convenience, shaping the future of transportation for years to come.

The automotive industry’s shift towards software-defined vehicles and zone architecture marks a new era in vehicle electronics. This transformation enhances the driving experience and paves the way for a more connected, efficient, and sustainable future on the road.

Author

As Technical Content Specialist, Marcel Consée is the internal contact person for technical questions in Mouser’s EMEA marketing team. Originally a physicist, he used to work as editor for special-interest magazines in electronics. In real life, he’s juggling a penchant for electronic gadgets, a fondness of books and beer, and two kids with too many chromosomes. Until now, none has dropped.