Infineon Technologies performs an necessary function in shaping the software-defined automobile structure of BMW Group’s Neue Klasse, a platform that redefines particular person mobility by combining electrification, digitalization, and sustainability.
By delivering an built-in, versatile, and future-ready electrical/digital (E/E) structure, the Neue Klasse lays an modern basis for safer, smarter, and extra sustainable mobility options. Infineon options allow highly effective and reliable computing, high-speed information connectivity and sensible and environment friendly energy administration.
Showcasing a BMW iX3, the primary mannequin of the Neue Klasse, on the current annual basic assembly, Infineon will display these contributions to its shareholders.
“We’re proud to collaborate with BMW Group to form the way forward for mobility,” stated Jochen Hanebeck, CEO of Infineon Applied sciences.
“BMW Group’s Neue Klasse marks a big step in introducing software-defined autos to the market and elevates particular person mobility to the subsequent stage when it comes to decarbonization and digitalization. We help the imaginative and prescient of a brand new software-defined platform with complete experience and cutting-edge know-how.”
Reworking automobile structure for long-term adaptability
The Neue Klasse options an modern E/E structure designed for scalability and long-term adaptability of auto capabilities: It leverages Infineon’s portfolio of Aurix and Traveo microcontrollers, Brightlane Ethernet connectivity options, Optireg energy administration ICs in addition to Profet sensible energy switches and eFuses for software-defined autos (SDVs).
By decoupling software program from {hardware}, the structure permits over-the-air options and software program updates (SOTA) with none {hardware} adjustments, in order that BMW can rapidly adapt to evolving shopper calls for and laws.
Setting new requirements for driving expertise
4 high-performance central computing items are on the core of this structure, the “Superbrains”. One in all them is known as “Coronary heart of Pleasure” and governs driving dynamics akin to acceleration, braking, and steering capabilities in a single high-speed laptop.
It permits sooner processing than earlier methods and minimizes latency. In consequence, the driving force advantages from smoother dealing with and an much more dynamic and responsive driving expertise. As well as, optimized recuperation will increase the vary of the automobile considerably.
To convey this exact automobile efficiency to the street safely, the system’s computing energy is constructed fully on Infineon microcontrollers, with a latest-generation AURIX microcontroller (TC4D) at its core.
Excessive-speed Brightlane Ethernet seamlessly connects the “Coronary heart of Pleasure” to the opposite methods, making certain the real-time responsiveness required for optimum efficiency.
The opposite three “Superbrains” handle automated driving, infotainment, and base automobile operations. All 4 “Superbrains” are supported by three separate Zone Management Models (ZCUs) – likewise managed fully by Infineon microcontrollers – that optimize information move and energy distribution, whereas end-point ECUs deal with vital functions akin to traction inverters, battery administration, and on-board charging.
Elevated effectivity via lowered wiring harness and sensible energy distribution
The zonal design of the automobile platform additionally enhances effectivity and reduces materials utilization: The wiring harness of the BMW iX3 is much less advanced and, in complete, round 600 meters shorter than in earlier generations – which makes it roughly 30 % lighter.
As well as, sensible eFuses like Infineon’s Profet Wire Guard household substitute as much as 150 standard fuses per automobile, permitting BMW Group to implement an clever and environment friendly energy distribution throughout the E/E structure.
The eFuses help software-controlled energy administration, enabling the automobile to dynamically alter vitality distribution: Relying on the automobile’s state (for instance, charging, driving, parking, upgrading) they change off energy shoppers that aren’t wanted. This improves vitality effectivity by roughly 20 %.
