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Molex 2023 15 Introducing Zonal Architecture Zonal architecture is the name given to this new approach to vehicle electronics. In contrast to a domain architecture, in which vehicle systems are grouped by function, zonal architecture offers a more efficient solution. The functions within a vehicle are grouped by location into several zones. Each zone is responsible for the devices that are installed in a particular section of the vehicle and are connected to a locally installed zonal controller or gateway. Because a zonal gateway is close to the devices it controls, the cable lengths required to connect them are relatively short. Each zonal gateway is connected to the central computing cluster at the heart of the vehicle. One of the critical changes is that the communication between zonal gateways and the central computer resembles that of a computer network rather than an automotive harness. As a result, this inter-zonal communication can take place over a small, high- speed networking cable that greatly reduces both the quantity and size of the cables that must be installed around the vehicle. This new approach leverages the latest developments in computing power and high-speed communication, both of which will be essential due to the huge increase in data that this next generation of vehicle must process. The array of sensors that will form the eyes and ears of the latest ADAS and autonomous systems will create an unprecedented volume of information that must be processed at high speeds. The vehicle network of the future will see speeds of 10 Gigabits per second (Gbps) and greater. Cars equipped with zonal architecture will require computing power equivalent to several of the best desktop workstations—a "data center on wheels" (Figure 4) Designers who are rethinking the concept of vehicle wiring are also looking at the distribution of power. Each of the devices, be they motors, sensors, or ECUs, will require power. While conventional vehicle power is supplied at 12V, designers are investigating the potential to adopt higher voltages of up to 48V. Increased voltage would allow a corresponding reduction in current to deliver the same amount of energy to devices. As higher currents require wires of thicker gauges, a reduction in current would allow the power cables in this new architecture to be similarly reduced. Revolutionizing Vehicle Design The advantages offered by zonal architecture will change automotive design completely. At its heart, the zonal approach reduces the complexity required of the cable harnesses within the vehicle, in terms of both the number of wires and the distances they are required to travel. The connection of devices to a zonal gateway will be made locally, keeping cable lengths to a minimum. This will be true of data and power cables, as the zonal gateway can serve not only as a processing hub but also as a power distribution module. The communication links between the zonal gateways and the central computing cluster can be achieved with few high-speed networking connections, perhaps constructed of a small number of twisted pairs. Even allowing for the redundancy that will be required in safety-critical systems, the quantity of copper cabling that will need to run through the body of the vehicle will be greatly reduced. Figure 4: Communication between zonal gateways and the central computer resembles that of a computer network rather than an automotive harness. (Source: Molex)