Robust Connectivity Solutions for Next-Generation Automotive Data Networks

A modern luxury vehicle can contain up to 100 electronic control units (ECUs) based on multiple proprietary operating systems. These range from simple control programs to complex, real-time, multifunctional operating systems or embedded platforms.
 

The number and complexity of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that will ultimately lead to fully automated driving is increasing.  As a result, traditional ECU-based architectures are reaching their limits. Vehicle manufacturers, therefore, need to develop new concepts to manage the high levels of complexity and data through-put.  By clustering functions into domains and converging ECUs, vehicle manufacturers can optimize the weight of the harness and reduce connectivity complexity. This could result in a reduction in components and overall cost. 

This white paper discusses the impact of new architectural approaches on data communication link requirements. It presents an analysis of the trade-off between chip implementation complexity and channel performance limitations and evaluates the maximum reachable data-rates under established automotive conditions.

It also describes new connector component design features that are required for new high-speed data-dependent safety applications.