Centralized E/E Architectures Revolutionizing Automotive Semiconductors

  • Published on June 24

The McKinsey article on advanced semiconductors for centralized E/E architectures in the automotive industry outlines the significant shift towards more centralized computing systems - source here.

This evolution is driven by the need for enhanced performance, cost efficiency, and support for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and infotainment.

Key players in this transition include several major companies:

  1. Bosch: Developing vehicle-centralized, zone-oriented E/E architectures, Bosch focuses on reducing system complexity and increasing security. Their approach connects powerful vehicle computers to embedded control units, sensors, and actuators via zone ECUs, optimizing data communication and reducing wiring costs and weight​ (Bosch Mobility)​.
  2. Infineon: Their third-generation AURIX TC4xx MCU family supports the new central computing and zonal control requirements, highlighting their role in meeting the demands of modern E/E architectures​ (Business Wire)​.
  3. Renesas: Known for its MCU based on the third-generation RXv3 CPU core, Renesas is integral to the adoption of Gigabit Ethernet as the communication backbone in automotive applications​ (Business Wire)​.
  4. Broadcom: With the BCM8957X family, Broadcom provides the world's first automotive Ethernet switch supporting the 802.3ch standard, crucial for next-generation zonal networking architectures​ (Business Wire)​.
  5. Marvell: Their Brightlane Q622x family of central automotive Ethernet switches is designed to support advanced zonal networking architectures, emphasizing their role in the evolving automotive semiconductor landscape​ (Business Wire)​.
  6. Qualcomm: Qualcomm’s Ride3.0 platform utilizes PCIe switches to introduce new connectivity options, which are critical for real-time data transmission in ADAS​ (Business Wire)​.

These companies, among others, are at the forefront of developing and implementing the centralized E/E architectures that will define the future of automotive technology, enhancing vehicle functionality, security, and efficiency.