Quick Takeaways
- Two global electronics leaders are accelerating the shift toward zone-based E/E architectures for software-defined vehicles.
- A modular, reusable zone controller platform is positioned to cut development time while future-proofing vehicle electronics.
On January 2, Infineon Technologies AG and Flex announced that they will unveil a Zone Controller Development Kit at CES 2026, designed to accelerate the development of software-defined vehicle (SDV)–ready electrical and electronic (E/E) architectures. The new platform adopts a modular, scalable design philosophy that helps automotive developers shorten timelines while preparing vehicle platforms for future software and hardware expansion.
The Zone Controller Development Kit is built around a library of roughly 30 reusable building blocks, enabling engineers to configure Zone Control Units (ZCUs) precisely for different vehicle segments and use cases. This right-sized approach allows OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to balance current functional requirements with sufficient headroom for upcoming vehicle generations, helping control complexity and cost without limiting future upgrades.
Scalable Architecture for SDV E/E Platforms
At the core of the Zone Controller Development Kit is a flexible architecture that supports a wide range of zone-level functions across vehicle platforms. By reusing validated assets, developers can reduce redesign efforts while maintaining consistency across multiple programs.
Key architectural benefits include:
This scalability enables OEMs to standardize their SDV E/E architecture strategies while tailoring each ZCU configuration to specific vehicle requirements.
High-Performance Options for Advanced ZCUs
For premium and high-compute applications, the Zone Controller Development Kit offers an optional dual MCU plug-on module. This configuration is designed for ZCUs that demand high input/output density and increased processing capability, supporting advanced software functions and complex zone-level control.
By offering modular performance scaling, the platform allows vehicle manufacturers to deploy a common design framework across entry-level and high-end models, reducing engineering effort and bill of materials while maintaining performance consistency.
Integrated Protection, Connectivity, and Cybersecurity
The Zone Controller Development Kit integrates essential zone control and protection features required for modern SDV platforms. These functions are embedded at the hardware and system level to improve reliability, safety, and software update robustness.
Core capabilities include:
By combining these features into a single development platform, the kit supports faster validation cycles and smoother integration into next-generation vehicle architectures.
The Zone Controller Development Kit is built around a library of roughly 30 reusable building blocks, enabling engineers to configure Zone Control Units (ZCUs) precisely for different vehicle segments and use cases. This right-sized approach allows OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to balance current functional requirements with sufficient headroom for upcoming vehicle generations, helping control complexity and cost without limiting future upgrades.
Scalable Architecture for SDV E/E Platforms
At the core of the Zone Controller Development Kit is a flexible architecture that supports a wide range of zone-level functions across vehicle platforms. By reusing validated assets, developers can reduce redesign efforts while maintaining consistency across multiple programs.
Key architectural benefits include:
- Support for more than 50 power distribution channels
- Over 40 connectivity channels across vehicle zones
- Up to 10 load control channels for diverse electrical loads
This scalability enables OEMs to standardize their SDV E/E architecture strategies while tailoring each ZCU configuration to specific vehicle requirements.
High-Performance Options for Advanced ZCUs
For premium and high-compute applications, the Zone Controller Development Kit offers an optional dual MCU plug-on module. This configuration is designed for ZCUs that demand high input/output density and increased processing capability, supporting advanced software functions and complex zone-level control.
By offering modular performance scaling, the platform allows vehicle manufacturers to deploy a common design framework across entry-level and high-end models, reducing engineering effort and bill of materials while maintaining performance consistency.
Integrated Protection, Connectivity, and Cybersecurity
The Zone Controller Development Kit integrates essential zone control and protection features required for modern SDV platforms. These functions are embedded at the hardware and system level to improve reliability, safety, and software update robustness.
Core capabilities include:
- I²t (ampere-squared seconds) current monitoring
- Overcurrent and overvoltage protection
- Capacitive load switching and reverse polarity protection
- Secure data routing supported by hardware accelerators
- A/B partition swap enabling safe over-the-air software updates
- Built-in cybersecurity mechanisms for vehicle networks
By combining these features into a single development platform, the kit supports faster validation cycles and smoother integration into next-generation vehicle architectures.
Company Press Release
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