Infineon introduces next-generation of microcontroller multicore architecture for automotive applications
15 October 2011
Infineon Technologies AG introduced its new 32-bit microcontroller (MCU) multicore architecture. The new architecture is the foundation of Infineon’s next generation MCU family designed to meet the requirements of upcoming automotive powertrain and safety applications.
The new multicore architecture will be used in the next generation 65nm eFlash microcontroller family AURIX. The family will be highly scalable with devices of up to 300MHz in clock frequency and up to 8MB of embedded Flash. With high real-time performance, embedded safety and security features the microcontroller family is suited for applications such as the control of combustion engines, electrical and hybrid vehicles, transmission control units, chassis domains, braking systems, electrical power steering systems, airbags and advanced driver assistance systems, Infineon says.
The new multicore architecture features up to three processor cores to share the application load, introduces lockstep cores and contains further enhanced hardware safety mechanisms. A first implementation of the architecture is available to selected customers for architecture exploration and early prototyping.
The new multicore architecture contains up to three TriCore processor cores connected over a crossbar running at the full CPU speed and avoiding hardware contentions. Additionally, the architecture implements multiple program Flash modules with independent read interfaces which further support the real-time capability.
Additional innovations of the new architecture include a new timer module which offloads the CPUs, and new Analog to Digital Converters including Delta Sigma converters with a high accuracy and a high sampling rate.
The 65nm embedded Flash silicon process technology and the microcontroller architecture are designed to balance increased performance with the need for lower power consumption. Additional low power modes are supported to enable very low standby current consumption.
Infineon’s multicore architecture introduces methods to meet the newly introduced ISO 26262 Automotive safety standard. Design, implementation and documentation are focused for compliance to the highest Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL D).
Two of the three TriCore CPUs feature additional Lockstep cores which can be independently configured. Further implemented safety techniques include, for example, safe internal communication buses, a Bus Monitoring Unit, and both error detection code (EDC) and error correction code (ECC) on all memories. A distributed memory protection system operates on core level, bus level and on peripheral level. These enhanced encapsulation techniques allow the integration of software with mixed criticality levels from different sources, allowing hosting of multiple applications and operating systems on a unified platform.
The multicore architecture features a hardware security module (HSM) to meet upcoming security requirements to better protect automotive applications from tampering or potential hacking attacks. The HSM uses leading edge hardware-based security technology developed by Infineon.
The 65nm embedded Flash technology is designed for highest reliability in the harsh automotive environment. End-of-line programming speed of the embedded Flash is up to 20 times faster than in the previous generation of Infineon’s microcontrollers. This is especially important due to the increased amount of embedded Flash required by automotive systems, the company noted.
The first implementation of the multicore architecture, the Development Device, is now available for prototyping to selected customers. Automotive system suppliers can start now to explore the multicore architecture’s features and develop their multicore software implementation. The 65nm Development Device contains three TriCore CPUs, two of them with lockstep implementation, and 4MByte of embedded Flash.
First products of the AURIX family are scheduled to be available by mid 2012, with qualification planned in the second half of 2013.
In 1999, Infineon launched the first generation of AUDO (AUtomotive unifieD processOr), based on a unified RISC/MCU/DSP processor core. Infineon evolved and optimized this 32-bit TriCore microcontroller, resulting in the current, fourth-generation, which is used in the company’s AUDO MAX family.
The electronic part of EVs is evolving much faster that the main batteries. If batteries ever catch up we would have affordable 500+ miles BEVs soon.
Posted by: HarveyD | 15 October 2011 at 09:26 AM
Anothe rcontrol microprocessor firm recenlty released thie new 32 bit microcontroller family. Thsi is great news.
One of the reasons that we don't hve HCCI an dPCCI iCEs is the cost ofand powe rof the engien micorcontrol processors.
So there is anothes ignificant improvement in efficiency of the iCE coming, as well as a reduced amount of toxic emissions.
Progress is slow, steady and incremental; but it is progress, nonetheless.
In this case, enabling progress on a key component for improved ICE efficiency, clean Air, and reduced imported Oil consumption. All good things.
Posted by: ExDemo | 15 October 2011 at 10:52 AM
new 32 bit microcontroller
Only 32-bit? PC's have had 64-bit chips available for a while now...
Posted by: JN2 | 15 October 2011 at 12:45 PM
JN2...don't forget that the vehicle industry is always 10 to 20 years behind the electronic industry. They don't use the same forward looking people.
Posted by: HarveyD | 16 October 2011 at 08:07 AM
The auto industry has to build to close to military environmental requirements (high/low temperature especially), but at commodity prices. OF COURSE these chips are going to lag behind the PC market's bleeding edge!
Posted by: Engineer-Poet | 16 October 2011 at 09:31 AM
P-E....I tried one of my early 80s PC yesterday and I was very surprised to note that it still work as well as it did almost 25+ years ago. It could not drive my 24-inch display at 2560 x 1800 but was doing ok at 800 x 600. I have no doubt whatsoever that electronics will have no problem to stay at least 10 years ahead of most cars. The new Tesla Model S may be one of the rare exception probably because it is made in California or in IT Land. Most car manufacturer are still reluctant to make full use of available electronics and IT. That reluctance may go away with future BEVs.
Posted by: HarveyD | 16 October 2011 at 10:11 AM
That reluctance will be there until the devices are proven in the field to last for ten years or more, because nothing kills a manufacturer like customers walking away because they think their cars will fail on them (or can't be resold for the same reason).
Posted by: Engineer-Poet | 16 October 2011 at 01:20 PM
A good point E-P but most recent electronic chips/parts/modules are very reliable under harsh conditions and more rugged ones can and are made regularly. Many can last twice the normal vehicle life time of about 15 years or so. Secondly, today's modular mass produced electronics are low cost and can be replaced easily and quickly when and if required. Future electrified vehicles will come with built in diagnostic tools to identify which electronic module to replace. It could even become a do it yourself affair as simple as changing a light bulb.
Posted by: HarveyD | 16 October 2011 at 01:33 PM
By the way, BMW will start using white laser for front beam lights which are 1000 times brighter and 50% more energy efficient than DEL.
Another worthwhile evolution for electrified vehicles to reduce e-energy consumption and get more e-range per charge.
All on-board ancillaries could be re-designed to reduce energy consumption by 50% and more. When done, a 2 to 3 square meter high efficiency roof solar cell could supply the energy required to operate most ancillaries.
Posted by: HarveyD | 17 October 2011 at 09:08 AM