Continental AG (Continental) announced the collaboration with Infineon Technologies AG (Infineon) to develop server-based vehicle architectures. The company aims to develop electrics/electronics (E/E) architecture with central high-performance computers (HPC) and a few, powerful Zone Control Units (ZCU). Infineon's AURIX TC4 microcontroller is utilized for Continental’s Zone Control Units (ZCU). Thanks to special storage technology in the AURIX TC4, the vehicle software is on standby. This means that the functions such as parking assistance, air conditioning, etc., are ready within fractions of a second as soon as the vehicle is started. A key element of the new microcontroller series is the RRAM (Resistive Random Access Memory) memory technology, which has been applied in the automotive sector for the first time under this joint project. The ZCU platform forms the middle level of the E/E architecture between the server level high-performance computers (HPC) and the base level with numerous sensors and actuators. Furthermore, the AURIX TC4 enables significantly faster and more secure Over-the-air updates of software components. (From a press release dated March 13, 2023)

Kongsberg Automotive ASA (Kongsberg Automotive) announced that its Driveline business unit has won a new three-year contract for actuators worth EUR 26 million in estimated lifetime revenue. The contract, made with one of the largest OEMs in China for the passenger cars segment, is for electric rotary actuator (ARC) that helps changing drive modes on the transmission as park (P), drive (D), neutral (N), and reverse (R). The product will be produced and supplied by Kongsberg Automotive’s Wuxi facility. (From a press release dated March 10, 2023)

Magna International Inc. (Magna) announced the launch of its SmartAccess power door system on the opposing rear doors of the Ferrari Purosangue. The complete system includes Magna’s power door drive unit, SmartLatch with cinch actuator, and first-to-market integrated Haptronik software. The system will launch with several other Asian and North American automakers in 2023. Haptronik is a motion control software that enhances the tactile feel of door movement, enabling effortless opening and closing. It can detect when the vehicle is parked on a curb or a hill and automatically adapts the gravitational force, providing smooth opening and closing. It also includes anti-slam and wind catch features. (From a press release dated March 7, 2023)