CES2021: Aptiv releases smart architecture regional controller

(Aptiv Intelligent Vehicle Architecture)

Beijing time, January 14, according to foreign media reports, the well-known parts supplier Aptiv recently launched a regional controller at CES 2021, which can distribute high-speed data and power between sensors and peripherals, while separating the vehicle's input/output (I/O) from computing.

As part of a supplier’s smart vehicle architecture, zone controllers allow OEMs to break down the physical complexity of a vehicle into more manageable zones and further drive the integration of distributed electronic control units (ECUs), reducing vehicle weight while lowering total system cost.

“The zone controller sits at the intersection of these functions, helping to reduce complexity, weight and cost while bringing customers closer to the software-defined electric vehicles of the future,” said Kevin Clark, president and CEO of the company.

On the other hand, as a high-speed data and power hub, the regional controller simplifies complexity by separating I/O and computing while supporting standard interfaces and plug-and-play devices. Instead of connecting directly to a dedicated ECU, the device connects to the regional controller, which is connected to the domain controller through a single public interface. This reduces complexity and improves scalability by allowing the domain controller to focus on high-level software while maintaining a development cycle independent of I/O. At the same time, this device can also simplify the wiring harness, allow more automated assembly, and reduce costs.

The next generation of cars (using zone controllers) will have the following key advantages:

1) Reduce complexity: Break down the physical complexity of the vehicle to simplify the production process while achieving automation to ensure quality and reduce costs. The upper integration of distributed ECUs can provide computing functions within the region and can be used for functional integration.

2) Intelligent power management: The zone controller centrally manages the distribution of power usage throughout the vehicle. In the past, wires needed to have sufficient tolerance for peak loads without fuses blowing. With the advantages of intelligent fusing, wires can be specified to the physical limits of the load within a specified time period. This also allows zone controllers to be flexibly positioned, thereby simplifying packaging and reducing costs;

3) Predictive maintenance: Software can detect when wires connected to zone controllers are close to failure and transmit information back to the predictive maintenance system, helping drivers and fleet operators resolve potential problems before failure occurs.