Network controller based on S32G2 processor creates innovative car connectivity for SDV!

The automotive industry is transforming to software-defined vehicles (SDVs). The demand for innovative solutions that seamlessly integrate connectivity and intelligence is unprecedented. To address this change, NXP Semiconductors and TTTech Auto have established a strategic partnership to combine the strengths of both parties to subvert in-vehicle networks and comprehensively

Unlock the potential of car connectivity.

Connectivity and security are shaping the future of mobility, which requires more flexible Ethernet, Controller Area Network (CAN) and Local Interconnect Network (LIN) as the network backbone. Therefore, reliable communication networks inside and outside the car are becoming increasingly important.

Automakers have noticed a significant increase in the use of automotive Ethernet links as well as CAN and LIN buses, requiring the development of advanced solutions to cope with the changing connectivity environment. In addition, stringent regulatory requirements such as ISO26262 safety compliance, the latest UN R155 and ISO21434 cybersecurity regulations have brought greater challenges to the design process of automotive engineers.

The need for automotive connectivity solutions

Leading car manufacturers have approached TTTech Auto for innovative car connectivity solutions. These companies have shown a keen interest in series-based electronic control units (ECUs) built with cutting-edge chipset technology. TTTech Auto understands that migrating ECUs to a new controller platform presents challenges and risks, requiring careful planning and a reliable partnership to mitigate potential difficulties.

TTTech Auto’s N4 Network Controller Provides automakers with a high-performance ECU for modern E/E architectures and SDVs with advanced networking capabilities. It acts as a central gateway control unit, transferring data between multiple CAN and Ethernet networks. TTTech Auto needed to address functional safety, information security and connectivity challenges while ensuring good performance.

They chose to work with NXP because of its strong competencies and capabilities, including best-in-class components tailored for the stringent requirements of the automotive industry, rich tool and software ecosystem support, and product longevity programs that ensure a stable product supply.

TTTech Auto N4 Network Controller

NXP's solution is seamlessly integrated, including the NXP S32G2 processor for car networking, the SJA1110 multi-gigabit secure TSN Ethernet switch with integrated 100BASE-T1 PHY, and the VR5510 secure multi-channel PMIC. TTTech Auto's N4 network controller combines these components into a high-performance, secure gateway and computing platform to provide connected services. The N4 network controller ensures connectivity inside and outside the car, the S32G2 provides functional safety, network security, high performance and high network capabilities; the SJA1110 switch provides bandwidth for Ethernet communication, and the VR5510 PMIC is responsible for power distribution.

Innovative vehicle connectivity solutions

TTTech Auto recognizes the limitations of the traditional SDV concept and has launched the 4SDV strategy: System-Safety-Security-Software. They believe that a successful 4SDV approach needs to start from a system engineering perspective and integrate functional safety, security, availability, robustness, ease of integration and upgradeability from the outset.

The N4 network controller complies with the 4SDV guidelines. TTTech Auto has created the N4 network controller using its expertise in designing and developing small and medium-sized automotive ECU solutions. N4 is at the heart of modern automotive electrical and electronic architectures, bringing advanced technologies to a wide range of vehicles with its advanced networking and cybersecurity capabilities.

Combined with the S32G2 processor, it implements functional safety and cybersecurity features, laying the foundation for automakers to implement over-the-air updates and subscription-based business models while ensuring that the in-vehicle architecture is protected from cyber attacks.

This revolutionary solution is flexible enough to run either an RTOS (such as AUTOSAR®️) or POSIX (such as Linux) simultaneously. This capability allows for reuse of existing code or lets developers run a different software stack (such as one based on BlackBerry QNX). The S32G2’s Low Latency Communication Engine (LLCE) firmware acceleration also facilitates straightforward gateway routing.

NXP and TTTech Auto have created secure, reliable and connected solutions that help engineers easily develop secure gateways, secure processing units or high-performance processing units.

Pushing the boundaries of SDV

NXP and TTTech Auto are empowering car connectivity and raising the level of network innovation, paving the way for a safer and more connected automotive ecosystem. What was once seen as a business threat ultimately proved to be a catalyst for creativity and engineering, resulting in the first of a highly anticipated product family that offers rich Ethernet switching capabilities with high security and performance.

The collaboration between TTTech Auto and NXP leverages the synergy of both parties’ strengths to jointly enhance security features and ensure seamless integration of different domains to create a high-performance in-vehicle security gateway or high-performance computing platform for connected services.