The automotive industry is currently undergoing a profound transformation driven by technology, heralded by the rise of software-defined vehicles (SDVs). In this new era, the number of digital functionalities and applications has surged, demanding more sophisticated hardware and computational capabilitiesIndeed, the software code for vehicles is expected to approach one billion lines, prompting a crucial rethinking of vehicle software and electronic architecture designTo address these challenges, S2C, in partnership with Arm, Xylon, and other tech firms, has launched a cutting-edge mixed prototype solution that represents a pioneering integration for the central and regional electronic architecture of future automobiles.

This novel prototype platform, supported by S2C’s proprietary ChipProbes for prototype validation, aims to minimize development time and risks associated with the next generation of automotive MCUs based on the Arm® Cortex®-R52+. This innovation signifies a shift from traditional hardware-centric designs to a more intricate software-driven approach, propelled by the increasing complexity of automotive technologies.

As electric and intelligent vehicles proliferate, the industry begins to converge with various emerging technologies, further catalyzing the trend towards digitalization and SDVsThe transformation from conventional distributed electronic/electrical (E/E) architectures to domain-centric and eventually to centralized architectures is no longer optional but a necessity for future competitiveness.

Integral to this evolution is the consolidation of Electronic Control Units (ECUs). A high-performance ECU can execute multiple system functions, thereby lowering development and production costs, enhancing flexibility, and facilitating the transition from fixed functionalities to software-based applicationsNumerous Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) recognize this and thus are transitioning to various topologies to optimize their E/E architectures.

Microcontrollers (MCUs) form an essential backbone within automotive electronics, playing a critical role in managing and controlling a vehicle's body electronics and safety systems

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They bear the significant responsibility of processing vast amounts of data, making driving decisions, and harmonizing the interactions among various systemsConsequently, MCUs require high-performance processors, adequate memory, and a myriad of interfaces to adapt to complex and dynamic driving environmentsAdditionally, reliability and stability are paramount, with automotive-grade MCU architectures needing to comply with international safety standards such as ISO26262, as even the slightest malfunction could have dire consequences for driving safety.

To meet the challenges posed by increasingly complex driving environments and elevated safety expectations, the continuous enhancement of MCU performance is crucialThis improvement is integral to the strategy of ECU integration, which simplifies vehicle layout, diminishes hardware complexity, speeds up software updates, and facilitates iterative functionality enhancements—all foundational components for the success of software-defined vehicles.

The collaborative mixed prototype solution developed by S2C, along with Arm, Xylon, and Zhichong Technology, uniquely addresses the needs of tomorrow's centralized and regional E/E architecture in automobilesThis reference design is focused on guiding clients through in-depth exploration and assessment of new automotive architectures, allowing for differentiated product offeringsWith a combination of S2C's ChipProbes and automotive MCU chips, this platform is tailored for quick prototype development of high-performance ECUs and regional controllers.

The flexibility of this platform allows for real-time performance alongside robust coupling with different Arm CPUs, while utilizing mainstream automotive MCU chips for external communications and network interfacesCurrently equipped with a multi-core Arm Cortex-R52+, the solution empowers developers to analyze workloads and develop applications crucial to the evolution of E/E architecturesThrough S2C's validation prototype, users can observe the transition to new Arm architectures, benefits, and the support resources available, ensuring a seamless migration process.

Moreover, this mixed prototype solution is founded on S2C's prototype validation and the design of Arm’s Cortex R52+. In collaboration with Xylon, the platform incorporates high-speed bus interface IP compatible with common automotive MCU chips for widespread peripheral extensions

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Zhichong Technology has contributed the AUTOSAR CP multi-core real-time operating system and communication stack, in addition to configuration tools essential for performance monitoringThe MuNiu configuration tool, based on the AUTOSAR ARTOP framework, facilitates communications, diagnostics, network management, and launch refresh specifications among multiple OEM clients, while the Xuanwu tool focuses on diagnostic modules relevant to automotive electronic applications.

The deep technical collaboration among these partners automates tasks related to programming refresh, diagnostics, and testing, providing tailored services across various automotive applications, thus enabling users to effortlessly implement diagnostics and testing in both laboratory setups and real vehicle scenarios.

In light of this, S2C has aligned itself with significant players in the automotive electronics field, such as Shanghai Zhichong TechnologyThis pioneering high-tech enterprise has developed China’s first AUTOSAR basic software product platform, empowering the industry with high-quality, efficient, and cost-effective foundational software solutions amid the trends of electrification, connectivity, intelligence, and software-driven innovations in vehicles.

Reflecting on this strategic partnership, MrZhang Zhiqiang, Vice General Manager and Business Director of Zhichong Technology, underscored the excitement of collaborating with a remarkable ecosystem partner like S2CHe highlighted S2C’s stellar reputation in prototype validation technology as a significant asset in generating trust and recognition among customersThrough this collaboration, they aim to craft dependable evaluation and development platforms for automotive electronics, hastening product time-to-market and promoting the advancement of SDVs.

In a statement, Davor Kovacec, CEO of Xylon, reiterated the vital role of their specialized IP cores designed for high-speed serial communication

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