Companies join forces to shape the future of software-defined vehicles

Infineon Technologies AG is playing an important role in shaping the software-defined vehicle (SDV) architecture of BMW Group's Neue Klasse, a platform that redefines individual mobility by combining electrification, digitalisation, and sustainability. By delivering an integrated, flexible, and future-ready electrical/electronic (E/E) architecture, the Neue Klasse lays an innovative foundation for safer, smarter, and more sustainable mobility solutions. Infineon solutions enable powerful and dependable computing, high-speed data connectivity and smart and efficient power management.

"We are proud to collaborate with BMW Group to shape the future of mobility," said Jochen Hanebeck, CEO of Infineon Technologies AG. "BMW Group's Neue Klasse marks a significant step in introducing software-defined vehicles to the market and elevates individual mobility to the next level in terms of decarbonisation and digitalisation. We support the vision of a new software-defined platform with comprehensive expertise and cutting-edge technology."

The Neue Klasse features an innovative E/E architecture designed for scalability and long-term adaptability of vehicle functions: It employs Infineon's portfolio of AURIX and TRAVEO MCUs, BRIGHTLANE Ethernet connectivity solutions, OPTIREG power management ICs, as well as PROFET smart power switches and eFuses for SDVs. By decoupling software from hardware, the architecture enables over-the-air features and software updates (SOTA) without any hardware changes, so that BMW can quickly adapt to evolving consumer demands and regulations.

Four high-performance central computing units are at the core of this architecture, the 'Superbrains'. One of them is called 'Heart of Joy' and governs driving dynamics such as acceleration, braking, and steering functions in a single high-speed computer. It allows faster processing than previous systems and minimises latency. As a result, the driver benefits from smoother handling and an even more dynamic and responsive driving experience. In addition, optimised recuperation increases the range of the vehicle significantly.

To bring this precise vehicle performance to the road safely, the system's computing power is built entirely on the company's MCUs, with a latest-generation AURIX microcontroller (TC4D) at its core. High-speed BRIGHTLANE Ethernet seamlessly connects the 'Heart of Joy' to the other systems, ensuring the real-time responsiveness required for optimal performance.

The other three 'Superbrains' manage automated driving, infotainment, and base vehicle operations. All four 'Superbrains' are supported by three separate Zone Control Units (ZCUs) – likewise controlled entirely by the company's MCUs – that optimise data flow and power distribution. At the same time, end-point ECUs handle critical applications such as traction inverters, battery management, and on-board charging.

The zonal design of the vehicle platform also improves efficiency and reduces material usage: The wiring harness of the BMW iX3 is less complex and, in total, around 600m shorter than in previous generations, which makes it approximately 30% lighter. Also, smart eFuses like its PROFET Wire Guard family replace up to 150 conventional fuses per vehicle, allowing BMW Group to implement an intelligent and efficient power distribution across the E/E architecture. The eFuses support software-controlled power management, enabling the vehicle to adjust energy distribution dynamically: Depending on the vehicle's state (e.g. charging, driving, parking, upgrading), they switch off power consumers that are not needed. This improves energy efficiency by approximately 20%.

The company's semiconductors enable clean, safe, and smart cars. A key focus is advancing centralised E/E vehicle architectures, the foundation for SDVs.