NXP and TTTech Auto Empower Innovative Vehicle Connectivity

The automotive industry is transitioning towards a software-defined vehicle (SDV) reality. The demand for innovative solutions that seamlessly integrate connectivity and intelligence has never been more pronounced. In response to this shift, NXP Semiconductors and TTTech Auto forged a strategic collaboration, pooling their collective strengths to revolutionize in-vehicle networking and unlock the full potential of automotive connectivity.

Both connectivity and security are shaping the future of mobility, demanding a more flexible backbone of Ethernet, controller area network (CAN) and local interconnect network (LIN) networking. Thus, reliable communication networks inside and outside the vehicle are increasingly critical.

Carmakers are seeing a significant increase in the use of automotive Ethernet links along with CAN and LIN buses, needing the development of advanced solutions to handle the evolving connectivity landscape. Moreover, stringent regulatory requirements such as ISO 26262 safety compliance, the recent UN R155 and ISO 21434 cybersecurity regulations add further challenges to the design process for automotive engineers.

The Demand for Vehicle Connectivity Solutions

Leading automobile manufacturers approached TTTech Auto, seeking innovative vehicle connectivity solutions. The companies were interested in series-ready electronic control units (ECUs) built around cutting-edge chipset technologies. TTTech Auto understood that migrating them to a new controller platform carried challenges and risks, requiring meticulous planning and reliable partnerships to mitigate potential difficulties.

The TTTech Auto N4 Network Controller offers carmakers a high-performance ECU suited for modern E/E architectures and SDVs with advanced networking capabilities. It acts as a central gateway control unit, routing between multiple CAN and Ethernet networks. TTTech Auto needed to address safety, security and connectivity challenges while ensuring optimal performance. They chose to partner with NXP due to their unparalleled competencies and capabilities, including first-class components tailored to the automotive industry's rigorous demands, a richly supported tools and software ecosystem and a reliable Product Longevity program ensuring a stable product supply.

NXP's solutions, including the NXP S32G2 processor for vehicle networking, the NXP SJA1110 multi-gig safe and secure TSN ethernet switch with integrated 100BASE-T1 PHYs and the NXP VR5510 safe multi-channel PMIC, enable seamless integration. TTTech Auto's N4 Network Controller brings these components together into a high-performance, secure gateway and computing platform for connected services. The N4 Network Controller ensures inside and outside vehicle connectivity, while the S32G2 brings safety, cybersecurity, performance and high network capability; the SJA1110 switch provides the bandwidth for ethernet communication and the VR5510 PMIC dispenses the power supply.

The Innovative Solution for Vehicle Connectivity

TTTech Auto recognized the limitations of the traditional SDV concept and introduced the 4SDV strategy: System-Safety-Security-Software. They considered a successful approach to 4SDV required a systems engineering perspective that integrates safety, security, availability, robustness, ease of integration and upgradability from the outset.

The N4 Network Controller follows those 4SDV guidelines. Leveraging their expertise in designing and developing ECU solutions for medium and small-volume vehicle production, TTTech Auto created the N4 Network Controller. The N4 is central to modern automotive E/E architectures, bringing cutting-edge technology to any vehicle with its advanced networking and cybersecurity capabilities.

Combined with the S32G2 processor, it enables functional safety and cybersecurity features, preparing the ground for carmakers to implement over-the-air updates and subscription-based business models while ensuring the in-vehicle architecture remains protected from cyberattacks.

The revolutionary solution is flexible enough to run an RTOS (e.g., AUTOSAR®) alongside a POSIX (e.g., Linux) or just one of them. This feature enables the reuse of existing code or allows developers to run different software stacks (like those based on BlackBerry QNX). The S32G2's Low Latency Communication Engine (LLCE) firmware acceleration feature also helps direct gateway routing.

The secure, reliable and interconnected NXP and TTTech Auto solution helps engineers easily develop secure gateways, safety processing units or high-performance processing units.

Pushing the Boundaries for SDVs

NXP and TTTech Auto empower vehicle connectivity, pushing the boundaries of networking innovation and paving the way for a safer, more connected automotive ecosystem. What was perceived as a commercial threat proved to be a catalyst for creativity and engineering, culminating in the coveted first series covering safety and performance with rich Ethernet switching capabilities.

TTTech Auto's partnership with NXP harnessed the synergies between their expertise, sharing a focus on enhancing security features and ensuring seamless integration across different domains for high-performance in-vehicle secure gateways or high-performance computing platforms for connected services.