Reduce consumption by powering down body networks

Modern cars can feature up to 70 control units that consume power even if they are not needed. Listening to messages on the network and waiting for a request of activation might consume up to 2 W per unit. Existing sleep and standby modes of network components can help minimize power consumption by deactivating the unit.

Partial networking is a new function that allows sleep and standby modes to be used while still being able to transfer messages across the network. This allows to deactivate units that are not needed for the moment (e.g. trailer module while driving without trailer; seat module while not adjusting the seat; etc.) and activated by means of a dedicated wake-up message. Deactivating a unit is achieved by setting the microcontroller into stop-mode but keeping it supplied for fast re-activation, so drivers do not experience decreased performance when pushing a button.

Although partial networking can be seen as a completely new automotive networking technology, NXP has offered products enabling this innovative technology for nearly a decade. With the automotive industry focusing more closely on energy saving features, partial networking is currently being evaluated in actual networks under varying conditions such as different bus load or signal quality. NXP supports these efforts with the whole updated and increased CAN/LIN/SBC portfolio or specially built prototypes based on devices that are in mass production.