New architectures for faster automotive design cycles

Today we observe the following megatrends in the automotive industry: The connectivity inside the car is increasing. Hydraulics and belt-driven mechanics are being replaced by electronics. New telematics merge into the car which turns it always ,,ON-LINE". Alternate propulsion research is yielding first results for sustained mobility. Automotive electronics is facing the following problems: The marketshare of automotive semiconductors today is 6%. The fast innovation clock speed of semiconductors with 12-18 month new product cycles and the slower introduction cycles of new car models do not match. The automotive design validation process yields very high quality but is very lengthy and inflexible. A high degree of customisation leads to small production series with perpetual adaptations and associated cost. New architectures are required to cope with the demand of the car maker for assured supply of semiconductors, constant innovation, highest quality and flexibility in customising tailored solutions. The advancements in microsystem technology need specific architecture changes in the automotive industry to play their advantages.