New processor platform for mainframes

E/E architecture New processor platform for mainframes

2024-03-28 From Sven Prawitz Sven Prawitz | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

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NXP presents a processor for E/E architectures with a central computer. It can run applications in isolation and offers software from a partner network.

The new S32N processor from NXP.(Image: Sven Prawitz) — The new S32N processor from NXP.
(Image: Sven Prawitz)

NXP Semiconductors has developed a multi-core processor specifically for central computers in new vehicle architectures. The new S32N processor is part of the "S32-CoreRide platform". This combines computational, networking, and energy management functions as well as ready-to-use software from the company's partner ecosystem.

The new portfolio eliminates inconsistencies between software and architecture. This allows functions from traditional multi-ECUs to be shifted to zonal or centralized computers. Software from the following companies is available for this purpose:

Accenture ESR Labs,
Archer Mind,
Blackberry QNX,
Elektrobit,
ETAS,
Green Hills Software,
Sonatus,
Synopsys,
TTTech Auto,
Valeo,
Vector Informatik and
Wind River

16 cores and variable resource allocation

The S32 vehicle computer has 16 cores (from ARM) that can be combined as desired. This allows safety-critical functions to be processed separately from comfort functions. Furthermore, redundancy is possible by using two cores for one function. As the supplier informs, resources can be allocated dynamically. Therefore, the performance of applications does not decrease as they evolve over time.

According to NXP, this concept allows the tasks of different control units to be consolidated on a central computer.

This helps car manufacturers and tier-1 suppliers to shorten their innovation cycles, said Henri Ardevol at the product presentation. The head of Automotive Embedded Systems is convinced: "With our platform, car manufacturers can radically change their approach to developing software-defined vehicles and embark on a much faster, open development path."

Series use from 2027

The scalable S32N family was specifically developed for the highest levels of functional safety in the automotive sector, according to NXP. For example, real-time and application processor cores can be combined. All S32N components integrate a hardware security engine and a multi-port TSN Ethernet switch, as well as a CAN hub. Some also support Ethernet packet acceleration, AI/ML acceleration and cost-effective intercompute PCI-Express services. The S32 system meets the ASIL-D requirements of the ISO 26262 standard.

NXP is working with automakers and Tier 1 suppliers on the first offerings for the S32 platform. The first series vehicles are expected to be operational in 2027, according to the semiconductor company.

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