What is E/E architecture, which controls increasingly complex functions in vehicles?
E/E architecture is a system that connects in-vehicle ECUs, sensors, actuators, etc. This article will describe the role and trends of E/E architecture, which is important for the advancement and evolution of vehicle automation and networking.
What is E/E architecture?
In the term "E/E architecture", E/E stands for "electrical/electronic", and architecture means "configuration, design concept, and design method". Combined, E/E architecture is defined as the system that connects in-vehicle ECUs, sensors, actuators, etc.
In recent years, automobiles have evolved rapidly, and they continue to be equipped with new functions, such as driver assistance and automated driving, and functions for connectivity, personalization, and infotainment.
Due to the need for processing that is tailored to each purpose, the number of ECUs installed in automobiles has exceeded one hundred. Innovations in E/E architecture are beginning to be introduced, in order to develop software that simplifies the connection of these increasingly complex ECUs and keeps them in optimal condition.
Current E/E architectures primarily employ a "domain architecture" that brings together the domains (technical areas) of ECUs that perform similar processing. For example, the ECUs of the engine system are integrated into the powertrain domain, and ECUs for sliding doors and power windows are integrated into the body domain, thereby reducing the number of ECUs and wires (electrical wiring). Reducing the number of parts also contributes to reduction in vehicle weight and development costs.
The next generation of E/E architectures that is attracting attention is focused on vehicle-centralized "zone architecture", which integrates ECUs into a vehicle central computer. Integrated ECUs that connect domains enable information aggregation and integrated control, which was previously performed separately for each domain, further reducing the number of parts and development costs.
How is E/E architecture designed?
E/E architectures are specified, defined, and designed according to the use case of the vehicle that is being developed. For each vehicle that is being developed, the issues are identified, simulations and tests are repeated in order to build what fulfills the purpose, and the draft design of the initial E/E architecture is completed.
Engineers involved in the design of the E/E architecture communicate with automobile manufacturers and auto parts manufacturers to design the overall configuration and optimize the electrical wiring.
Future E/E architectures aim to further simplify the system, reducing the amount of wires, increasing assembly efficiency, and reducing vehicle weight. Since modules must also be downsized, engineers must also choose how small and fit-for-purpose chips (ICs) will be used.
The role of software engineers is also important for enhanced functionality in automobiles. For example, engineers are involved in communication control between ECUs and between domains, connected car network and software development, and security design development. In addition, engineers also develop gateway software to standardize protocols (communication standards) since protocols may differ depending on the ECU.
The role of E/E architecture in highly sophisticated functionality for automobiles
In the automobiles of the future, in addition to the optimization of highly functional ECUs and software improvements, the role of the E/E architecture will also be important from the perspective of cybersecurity. This is because next-generation automobiles will be frequently connected to the Internet, and at risk of cyberattacks.
For cybersecurity, the E/E architecture utilizes an intrusion detection system in the event of unauthorized access to a vehicle. Since attackers are expected to constantly raise the level of cyberattacks, developers are required to constantly upgrade the level of security.
Communication with social infrastructures will also be required when driving a car in a smart city of the future. Further improvements in E/E architectures are necessary to receive information (such as the condition of traffic lights, road conditions, weather information, on-street parking information, and mobility support in the event of a disaster) and provide appropriate warnings and driving assistance.
E/E architectures will also play an increasingly important role in various services, such as systems that detect the condition of automobile oil, tire pressure, engine information, etc., and send guidance or warnings about repairs and maintenance.
How will future E/E architectures evolve?
It is said that the next-generation automobile will become an IoT device on wheels, with further advances in functions such as driver assistance and automated driving while ensuring driver safety, communication with infrastructures, maintenance prediction, and infotainment.
Indeed, automobiles are evolving as mobile computing centers, and their software code is said to be in the hundreds of millions. Innovative E/E architectures and computers with powerful computing power are required to manage systems of this scale.
Safety is important, and before the cars of the future are convenient and comfortable, it is important that they are safe. It can be said that the development of E/E architecture is the key to achieving this.
[Reference Articles]
Solutions for todays and future E/E architectures
https://corporate.bosch.co.jp/en/news-and-stories/aee-2022/ee-architectures/E/E architecture at Bosch
https://www.bosch-mobility-solutions.com/en/mobility-topics/ee-architecture/Technical Supervisor
XC Division, Advanced Network Solutions Department
Jiajie Zhang
Joined Bosch in 2015. Jiajie Zhang has been involved in system development for multiple automakers and leads projects on the technical side. Since 2021, he has been a member of the Advanced Network Solutions Department in the XC Division, where he serves as a manager.
*Information contained in this article is current at the time of data collection. (Published on February 20, 2023)