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Synopsys, NXP, and Infineon Drive Focus on Software-Defined Vehicles
Once again, CES showcased the most cutting-edge advancements in automotive technology. Here are a few ways Synopsys, NXP, and Infineon are rethinking SDV security.
www.allaboutcircuits.com, Jan. 21, 2025 –
Cars are no longer mere tools for transportation but are sophisticated digital ecosystems that enhance driver and passenger experiences. This year's Consumer Electronic Show (CES) highlighted this digital shift in the automotive space, particularly led by semiconductor manufacturers including NXP, Synopsys, and Infineon.
In this article, we'll spotlight just a few ways these developers are innovating and collaborating with other companies to take a fresh approach to automotive safety, controls, and digital security.
Synopsys Leads the Charge in Automotive PCIe 5.0
As the automotive and vehicle industries move toward connected and automated vehicles, adopting advanced technologies like PCIe 5.0 is becoming essential. Synopsys claims it has pioneered the world's first automotive-grade PCIe 5.0 solution with integrated integrity and data encryption (IDE) security, setting new standards for safety and cybersecurity. This technology ensures data remains secure during transit, protecting vehicles from potential threats.
By complying with rigorous international standards such as ISO 26262 and ISO/SAE 21434, Synopsys says it can help manufacturers speed up design processes while prioritizing safety and security.
NXP Acquires TTTech Auto With an Eye on SDVs
NXP Semiconductors recently acquired TTTech Auto for $625 million to strengthen its position in the software-defined vehicle (SDV) market. Based in Vienna, TTTech Auto specializes in safety-critical systems and middleware. As the shift to SDVs accelerates, projected to represent 45% of global auto production by 2027, NXP's CoreRide platform will enable more efficient software integration, helping automakers adopt SDV technology quickly and effectively.
TTTech Auto's role in this initiative is further emphasized through its MotionWise middleware, designed to manage interconnected automotive systems while prioritizing safety. By joining forces with NXP, TTTech Auto reinforces the integration of hardware and software, streamlining SDV development for manufacturers.
Infineon and Flex Hone In on Zone Control Units
Infineon Technologies has partnered with Flex, a global manufacturing leader, to unveil its Flex Modular Zone Controller design platform to enhance software-defined vehicles. This collaboration combines Infineon's automotive-grade semiconductor technology with Flex's design and manufacturing expertise, creating a scalable and resilient zone control unit (ZCU). The new platform allows automakers to rapidly implement customized solutions that optimize power distribution, gateway, and motor control functions. Infineon and Flex aim to help automakers adapt more swiftly to market demands and enhance their ability to deliver vehicles prioritizing software capabilities.
A zone controller manages various functions within specific areas of the car. As an integration hub, a ZCU coordinates multiple electronic control units (ECUs) and sensors to ensure efficient communication and operational performance.
Zone controllers manage power distribution, actuate vehicle systems, process sensor data, and enable communication between different ECUs. ZCUs are usually equipped with diagnostic and fault detection software that enhances the overall reliability and safety of the vehicle. As software-defined vehicles become more prevalent, the ZCU's role in optimizing hardware and software becomes invaluable.
Redefining Automotive Safety in a Digital World
The landscape of automotive safety is undergoing a digital security transformation. While traditional safety features like seatbelts and airbags have laid the foundation for protecting drivers and passengers, today's vehicles are evolving far beyond their mechanical roots. This new era of connected and automated vehicles is pushing the boundaries of what safety means, making data security just as vital as physical safeguards in ensuring the well-being of everyone on the road. Embracing this shift is not only about innovation; it's about safeguarding lives and property in an increasingly digital world.