Marelli Taps Infineon Aurix TC4x for Zone Controller
In the evolving landscape of automotive technology, Marelli, a leading supplier, is set to incorporate Infineon’s latest Aurix TC4x microcontrollers into its next-generation Zone Control Units (ZCUs). These microcontrollers are designed to support the evolving needs of software-defined vehicles, promising enhanced performance and security.
The development of these ZCUs marks a significant milestone for Marelli. Their new platform features a Data Routing Engine, which promises ultra-low latency communication, significantly enhancing the speed and efficiency of data transmission within the vehicle. This improvement is complemented by the integration of a hypervisor system, which supports independent software updates, crucial for maintaining the latest software functionalities and security standards.
Further innovations include the integration of lighting control software within the ZCU. This development anticipates a future where vehicle lamps may no longer require individual microcontrollers. Such an evolution could reduce the number of electronic devices within a vehicle, leading to cost savings and potentially fewer points of failure.
The potential of Marelli’s ZCU will be showcased through a demonstrator at the upcoming Electronica 2024 event in Munich next week, generating anticipation within the industry.
Key to Marelli’s advancements is Infineon’s Aurix TC4x, which operates on the powerful TriCore controller core. This controller is specifically designed for new vehicle architectures and emphasizes robust security features. It includes an enhanced security cluster and maintains compliance with the ISO/SAE 21434 standard, ensuring high-level security integrity.
The microcontroller also features a virtualisation-enabled hardware protection mechanism, allowing for the seamless integration of different applications. This ensures that each application can operate with its own allocated resources and specific requirements, thus maintaining efficiency and performance.
“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,” commented 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.”
Samples of the AURIX TC4x microcontrollers are available for those interested in exploring this cutting-edge technology further. More detailed information can be accessed at Infineon’s AURIX TC4x page.
The partnership between Marelli and Infineon represents a promising trajectory for the automotive industry. By leveraging the advanced capabilities of the Aurix TC4x, Marelli is poised to play a crucial role in transitioning to more sophisticated, interconnected, and intelligent vehicle systems. The integration of these microcontrollers into ZCUs is testament to the commitment of both companies towards innovation and excellence in automotive technology.
