Addressing the proliferation of electronic control units (ECUs) in vehicles, Visteon Corp. is preparing to launch an automotive grade cockpit domain controller with a European automaker on a global vehicle program in 2018. Visteon is displaying its SmartCore connected domain controller at the 2016 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas from Jan. 6-9.
With the average number of ECUs in high-end vehicles more than doubling over the past decade, it is essential to more efficiently manage the increasing cost and complexity of in-vehicle electronics. SmartCore provides a security-focused approach to cockpit module consolidation that addresses this complexity while improving the driving experience. SmartCore combines previously separate instrument clusters, head-up displays and advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) domains on a one-chip, multi-domain controller that can be accessed through an integrated, easy-to-use human machine interaction.
“SmartCore is a game-changing technology that offers significant and unique advantages over traditionally separated and non-connected infotainment systems, instrument clusters and ADAS controllers,” said Visteon President and CEO Sachin Lawande. “Different operating systems that can run side-by-side on one core and several levels of information – from safety-critical vehicle data to personal information from the cloud – are combined into one system for the first time. This significantly improves efficiency and security, while reducing the cost of ownership in the cockpit.”
The SmartCore platform is offered at different levels in terms of information output technologies and types of software applications and control devices. At the lower end, the platform can feature an instrument cluster system or entry-level infotainment system only. At the higher end, it can incorporate several displays including infotainment, head-up and rear seat displays and tablets.
At CES, Visteon is demonstrating a high-end configuration, with two fully digital 12.3-inch color thin film transistor displays and an additional head-up display, all driven from a single integrated unit. In addition, up to four tablets can be connected via Wi-Fi, serving as a rear-seat entertainment extension.
SmartCore’s cloud-based connectivity is designed to protect the user’s privacy. The system incorporates mechanisms that guarantee a seamless handover from full cloud support to a fully embedded mode if there is no cloud connection. If there is an issue – for example a malicious application consuming all processor power or a virus trying to stall the system – all system-relevant and safety-critical features are designed to remain operational. Consolidating ECUs also enhances security by reducing the number of potential “attack surfaces.”
As an application-based cockpit domain controller, SmartCore allows the user to change and grow the vehicle’s feature set over its entire lifetime. Users will be able to purchase applications (apps) through a vehicle manufacturer-certified app store on the platform. These apps are stored in an easily-accessible library, from which users can decide which apps are visible.
