Zonal architectures enable efficient power and data distribution around the vehicle, while improving wire cost, weight, and manufacturing. A key component in this architecture is the zone controller, it is responsible for connecting the high number of actuators and sensors to a central compute ECU and, depending on application distribution, can have a significant role in strategy within a zone.
OEMs are looking for more scalable and cost-efficient solutions to evolve the E/E architecture and meet future requirements for connected, electric, self-driving vehicles, as the number of services/ECUs within the vehicle grows. This evolution can come via logical distribution of functions onto less diverse software/hardware platforms, and through physical changes to a zonal-based network.