Zone Control Units take over the role as a communication gateway, provide smart power distribution and ensure the reliable execution x-Domain real-time vehicle functions, such as audio, external sound, parking assistance, air condition or suspension.
Each Zone Control Unit (ZCU) bundles all functions in a local sub-area of the vehicle. For example, ZCUs are responsible for all control, service and data management tasks in that particular area at the front right or left, or in the rear of the vehicle. This optimizes cables between ZCUs and electronic components. The few ZCUs are each connected to the responsible HPC by a high-performance link, like Ethernet. The result is an architecture that reduces complexity while saving weight and thus CO².
ZCU Key Features
- Main ECU of a physical vehicle zone, located near the sensors/actuators and peripheral devices
- Local gateway within a physical zone with Ethernet backbone connection to vehicle server (HPC)
- Hub for x-Domain zonal management of signals, data and power
- Ability to support service-oriented architecture with services for standardized input/output controls
- Ability to host critical x-Domain real-time functions
- Controls power supply in the zone (Smart Power Distribution/ SPD) including electronic fusing, diagnosis and recovery
- Classic AUTOSAR based Operating System (OS)
- Usage of single- or multicore microcontrollers