Switching to zonal E/E architectures in vehicles

From a distributed to a zonal approach Transforming cars into smart platforms

2024-10-23 From Sven Prawitz | Translated by AI 1 min Reading Time

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The transition to zonal E/E architectures is complex, time-consuming, and often involves significant investments. At the IZB in Wolfsburg, you can learn more about the topic.

Control units for software updates over the cellular network.(Image: Volkswagen AG) — Control units for software updates over the cellular network.
(Image: Volkswagen AG)

Vehicles are being expanded with software platforms. For this, the electrical and electronic (E/E) architecture must undergo profound changes. This is a major challenge for automakers and their suppliers—but also an opportunity.

The E/E architecture is evolving from a distributed architecture (many control units) through a domain-centralized architecture (function consolidation) to a zonal architecture.

Sangeeth Kumar, Senior Automotive Architect at Quest Global.
(Image:Quest Global)

The advantages of zonal architecture are manifold: It significantly reduces wiring complexity and weight, which improves vehicle efficiency and performance. Modern cars typically contain 70 to 100 control units, leading to complex wiring harnesses. Zonal architecture consolidates functions and minimizes the need for wiring. Ethernet connections handle the increasing volume of data, which is especially important for autonomous driving. Reduced latency ensures faster responses of critical functions. This architecture also improves scalability and facilitates future upgrades and maintenance through software updates.

The transition to zonal architecture requires new skills, techniques, and workflows. OEMs face several hurdles:

Financial investments
Technical complexity
Supplier coordination
Software integration and cybersecurity
Workforce training
Regulatory compliance
Testing and validation

Quest Global brings experience and expertise to this transformation. The company's approach is holistic and considers the entire vehicle ecosystem. The competencies include:

Creation of robust, scalable software
Integration of cybersecurity: Implementation of multi-layered security approaches.
Regulatory navigation: Compliance with current and future standards.
Supplier coordination: Enabling seamless collaboration.
Testing and validation: Use of advanced processes for early problem resolution.

The software engineers at Quest Global use advanced methods to create flexible, maintainable codes. Their expertise extends to real-time operating systems, hypervisors, and virtualization techniques.

IZB 2024: Hall 3, Booth 3115

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