At CES 2025, Infineon Technologies AG, in collaboration with Flex, is unveiling an innovative solution aimed at revolutionising the production of software-defined vehicles. The showcase features the Flex Modular Zone Controller design platform, a key advancement in the automotive sector, designed specifically for scalability and efficiency in zone control unit (ZCU) implementation.
This new platform leverages a modular microcontroller (MCU) architecture along with common hardware building blocks, offering automakers a highly adaptable and production-ready design. The integration of Infineon’s cutting-edge chipsets with Flex’s extensive design and manufacturing capabilities establishes a formidable solution for optimising Power-Distribution, Gateway, and Motor-Control operations.
Hans Adlkofer, Senior Vice President of the Automotive Systems Group at Infineon, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership, stating, “We at Infineon are very pleased to be working with Flex, whose design expertise complements our strengths. The combination of our achievements in cost and performance-optimised chipsets with the flexibility and the ‘design house-typical’ development speed enables our customers to adapt their ZCUs to their specific requirements.”
As the automotive industry moves towards software-defined vehicles, the importance of efficient collaboration is underscored. Mike Thoeny, President of Automotive at Flex, commented on this collaborative approach, stating, “As software-defined vehicles pave the way for next-generation mobility, the automotive industry must embrace partnerships that empower automakers to move faster and focus their resources on creating brand-defining experiences through software.” Thoeny emphasised that the partnership with Infineon demonstrates how deep ecosystem collaborations can facilitate the rapid launch of resilient software-defined vehicles.
The Flex Modular Zone Controller platform significantly enhances ZCU development through its efficient implementation processes. Infineon’s optimised chipsets support the quick evaluation of essential component features including Hardware Data Accelerators, sequential diagnostics, and protection controls—thus promoting early performance optimisation. With its endpoint-agnostic control implementation, the platform promises seamless integration of the modular MCU alongside power distribution and actuation functions.
This evolution in automotive technology represents a significant stride towards meeting the rising demands of the industry for vehicles that can quickly adapt to changing requirements while enhancing performance and operational resilience.
Source: Noah Wire Services