Integrate functional safety and create advanced automotive HMI design with i.MX 95!

Complying with functional safety goals and standards can also improve the safety and reliability of automotive human-machine interfaces (HMI) , covering aspects such as high-end digital cockpits, dashboards and in-vehicle information services. Today's integrated digital cockpits are evolving and are driven by a single domain controller that controls multiple displays such as instrument cluster, entertainment center console, connectivity, heads-up display (HUD) and driver monitoring functions.

The domain controller integrates multiple electronic control units (ECUs) to provide more powerful CPU and GPU computing power to improve the driving experience and enhance safety. This integrated approach not only reduces system costs and simplifies the OTA software update process, but also achieves significant results in reducing weight and power consumption. This is especially important for electric vehicles.

The multi-display HMI environment inside the car supports functions such as digital voice assistants, dashboards, entertainment central control systems, cloud connectivity, advanced safety features and in-vehicle information services. Whether looking for a nearby coffee shop or taking the best route to your destination, the latest domain controller-based digital cockpit designs ensure car control and navigation are safe and efficient. Domain controllers also enable superior digital experiences for commercial vehicles, such as enhanced smart electronic rearview mirrors for tractor-trailers, buses and other long-haul vehicles.

Targeted at domain controller applications, the NXP i.MX 95 applications processor is easy to deploy and can assist automakers and Tier 1 suppliers in meeting functional safety compliance in their automotive HMI designs. NXP has released the i.MX 95 application processor series, which is designed based on automotive safety guidelines such as ISO26262 and IEC61508 functional safety standards.

Specifically, the i.MX 95 processor is designed to meet Automotive Safety Level (ASIL)-D system and ASIL-B random architectural specifications specified in ISO26262:2018 and System Capability (SC)-3, as well as functionality specified in IEC61508:2010 Safety Level (SIL)-2 Random Architecture Indicator. To build trust and drive adoption in application scenarios that require functional safety, the i.MX 95 plans to receive ISO26262 compliance certification from TÜV SÜD , an internationally recognized independent certification body specializing in the safety of structural and electrical products Set minimum standards.

To help developers achieve their functional safety goals, the i.MX 95 family features a real-time safety domain designed to run independently from the rest of the processor. This safety domain functionality ensures that safety-critical operations can be performed reliably and predictably in an environment isolated from quality management (QM) applications, even in harsh automotive environments where safety is critical. The i.MX 95 processor's integrated safety domain architecture provides a solid foundation for building advanced automotive HMI platforms with enhanced safety features.

The i.MX 95 processor serves as the domain controller's digital cockpit and instrument panel, capable of communicating abnormal conditions to the driver through alarm and warning display broadcasts, ensuring that the car's safety-critical functions are protected. These warnings and in-car audio alerts meet the high reliability and safety standards required by car manufacturers.

NXP's system-on-a-chip technology offers customers strong potential to develop innovative functional safety solutions using i.MX processors. This customer-centric approach focuses on incorporating system-level considerations into every stage of semiconductor design, starting with a deep understanding of customer needs and end-application requirements. By adopting a system-on-chip design approach, NXP provides semiconductor solutions that not only respond quickly to customers' current needs, but are also scalable, flexible and forward-looking to adapt to the continued evolution of market demands and the emergence of new technologies.

In addition, the system-on-chip design greatly enhances the value of i.MX processors by simplifying the cost and complexity of hardware and software, and strengthens the key functional safety features of SEooC adopted in the i.MX development process. This design approach also enables NXP to develop a built-in safety island architecture equipped with appropriate safety-related intellectual property to meet the needs of emerging system-level functional safety scenarios.

The combination of the NXP i.MX 95 processor and power management IC (PMIC) creates a common platform designed for various automotive safety systems using the SEooC development philosophy:

• Digital Cockpit, Instrument Panel and HUD

• Driver Monitoring System (DMS)

• In-car audio alarm

• Rear view camera

• Electric rearview mirror

• Telematics and Connectivity

• Other Customized Security Solutions

NXP provides comprehensive safety software to help customers create a functional safety foundation for automotive applications. NXP can provide security software libraries such as Security Software Framework (SAF), System Manager (SysMan), and Structural Core Self-Test (SCST) to ensure that basic software meets the security requirements of ASIL-B certification. As part of the SafeAssure program, NXP also provides a range of service-based support for safe applications, including a secure Microcontroller Abstraction Layer (MCAL) and a real-time driver (RTD).

NXP’s safety software library is committed to TÜV SÜD certification and adheres to the following functional safety standards:

• ISO26262:2018 ASIL-D

• IEC61508:2010 SIL-3

• Supports hardware indicators of ASIL-B/SIL-2

NXP is a leading provider of semiconductor solutions for safety-critical automotive applications. Our expertise, broad product portfolio, deep commitment to functional safety, and strict adherence to industry standards have earned the trust of customers around the world. Our semiconductor products and processes comply with ISO26262 and IEC61508 functional safety standards. In addition, through continuous investment in research and development, we continue to improve the security functions of our products and software to adapt to evolving security standards and regulations.

NXP provides comprehensive support programs and services to help customers successfully deploy automotive functional safety solutions. The SafeAssure program is a good example of this, which not only simplifies system-level functional safety requirements, but also helps customers achieve ISO26262 standardization, sustainability and compliance in their designs. Through the SafeAssure program, customers can communicate with NXP's team of experts, who have extensive automotive safety knowledge, product development resources, and close alliances with key industry partners.

In addition, NXP works with top automakers, Tier 1 suppliers and industry alliances to develop and deploy advanced functional safety solutions. This collaborative model ensures that NXP’s automotive products and solutions can meet the ever-changing needs of the automotive industry.

We adhere to the latest functional safety standards and contribute to the development of key application areas such as automotive HMI, ADAS, electrification, chassis control, power, and body electronics, shaping the future of automotive safety.

We believe functional safety should be integrated throughout the design of automotive systems to ensure excellent protection for drivers, passengers, pedestrians and the environment.