The EE architecture revolution: No longer a distant dream

In recent years, there has been rapid growth in volume of data flowing in the vehicle as more cameras, radar, and lidar systems provide huge amounts of raw data for processing either at the edge or for a sensor fusion electronic control unit (ECU). Meanwhile, next-generation infotainment systems have become much more sophisticated and exchange larger amounts of data via over-the-air (OTA) updates.

As a result, the number of ECUs is increasing to accommodate these changing requirements. However, the ad hoc methods of accommodating these new features are beginning to break down; adding ECUs requires validation and is an inflexible way to expand the vehicle electronics network—new electronic and electrical architecture (E/E) architectures are needed.

This report builds on the previous report, which benchmarks the current E/E architecture, network architectures, and electrical developments. It explores how OEMs will implement these changes over the next 15 years.

1. Introduction
a) Introduction
b) Changing E/E architecture landscape
c) Role of the gateway
d) Data and electrical considerations
2. On the path to centralized E/E architectures
a) Domain control architecture, 2015–25
b) Zone control domain architecture
c) Zone control with domain controllers (CZD)
d) Zone control with a single central computer
3. Major OEM E/E architecture roadmaps
a) Worldwide
b) Europe
c) China
d) North America
e) Japan and South Korea
4. Market analysis
a) Adoption of centralized architectures
5. Prospects