Zonal Controller

All-in-one zone node merging gateway, power, I/O and edge compute with OTA resilience

System Overview

The Zonal Controller represents the next evolution in automotive electronics architecture, consolidating multiple traditional ECUs into a single, powerful computing node. This innovative approach provides centralized control, enhanced communication capabilities, and improved system reliability while reducing complexity and cost.

Core Architecture

Gateway Functionality

  • Multi-protocol communication routing
  • CAN, LIN, FlexRay, Ethernet support
  • Message filtering and prioritization
  • Network management and diagnostics

Power Management

  • Intelligent power distribution
  • Sleep/wake-up management
  • Battery monitoring and protection
  • Energy efficiency optimization

Software Architecture

Our Zonal Controller implements a comprehensive AUTOSAR-compliant software stack, providing a robust foundation for automotive applications with enhanced safety and security features.

AUTOSAR Software Stack

AUTOSAR Software Architecture

Layered AUTOSAR architecture showing Application, Runtime Environment, Service Layer, ECU Abstraction, and Microcontroller layers

System Integration

The Zonal Controller seamlessly integrates with existing vehicle systems while providing a migration path for legacy ECUs, ensuring backward compatibility and smooth transition.

BCM Integration Architecture

BCM Integration Architecture

Body Control Module integration showing CAN/LIN communication networks and connected vehicle components

Key Features

Communication & Networking

  • Multi-bus gateway with protocol conversion
  • High-speed Ethernet backbone support
  • Advanced network security features
  • Real-time communication optimization

Power & Energy

  • Intelligent power distribution system
  • Advanced sleep mode management
  • Battery health monitoring
  • Energy consumption optimization

I/O Management

  • Configurable digital and analog I/O
  • High-precision sensor interfaces
  • Flexible actuator control
  • Real-time I/O processing

Edge Computing

  • Local data processing capabilities
  • AI/ML inference support
  • Real-time analytics engine
  • Edge-to-cloud connectivity

OTA & Security

Over-The-Air Updates

  • Secure firmware updates
  • Differential update support
  • Rollback and recovery mechanisms
  • Update verification and validation

Security Features

  • Hardware security module (HSM)
  • Cryptographic acceleration
  • Secure boot and authentication
  • Intrusion detection and prevention

Performance Specifications

Processing Power

  • Multi-core ARM Cortex-A/M processors
  • Real-time processing capabilities
  • DSP acceleration for signal processing
  • GPU support for graphics and AI

Memory & Storage

  • High-speed DDR4/LPDDR4 memory
  • Secure flash storage
  • eMMC and SD card support
  • Memory protection and ECC

Target Applications

  • Body Control and Comfort Systems
  • Gateway and Domain Controllers
  • Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
  • Infotainment and Connectivity
  • Electric Vehicle Management

Key Benefits

  • Reduced system complexity and cost
  • Enhanced communication and integration
  • Improved reliability and maintainability
  • Future-proof architecture with OTA capabilities
  • Scalable solution for different vehicle segments

Deliverables

  • Complete hardware design and schematics
  • AUTOSAR-compliant software stack
  • Development and testing tools
  • Comprehensive documentation and training