Zone controller kit supports software-defined vehicle architectures
Infineon Technologies AG and Flex introduce a modular development platform to accelerate zone-based E/E architectures for software-defined vehicles.
www.infineon.com
Infineon Technologies AG and Flex have expanded their collaboration with the launch of a Zone Controller Development Kit aimed at supporting the development of software-defined vehicles (SDVs). The solution was presented at CES 2026 and targets automotive OEMs and Tier suppliers working on next-generation electrical and electronic (E/E) architectures.
Context of the cooperation
As vehicle architectures evolve toward software-defined platforms, zone-based E/E concepts are increasingly adopted to reduce wiring complexity, improve scalability, and enable centralized computing. Zone Control Units (ZCUs) are a core element of this approach, as they aggregate power distribution, connectivity, and load control for groups of peripherals within a vehicle zone.
However, ZCU requirements vary significantly between vehicle platforms and model variants, depending on the number and type of connected loads, performance needs, and cost targets. Existing ZCU designs are often over- or under-dimensioned for specific applications, increasing development time and bill of materials.
Infineon and Flex combined semiconductor, system design, and industrialization expertise to address these challenges through a configurable development platform.
Technical solution and responsibilities
The Zone Controller Development Kit is based on a modular building-block architecture comprising around 30 reusable hardware elements. This approach allows developers to configure ZCUs that match specific platform requirements while maintaining design continuity across vehicle programs.
Infineon provides the core semiconductor technologies, including automotive microcontrollers, power management, smart power switches, and motor control components. Flex contributes system architecture, hardware design, validation, and industrialization capabilities. The software environment integrates tools and components from Vector to support embedded software development, testing, and integration workflows.
The platform supports more than 50 power distribution channels, over 40 connectivity channels, and more than 10 load control channels, enabling early application development and functional evaluation.
Deployment approach and scalability
A dual-microcontroller plug-on module is available for high-end ZCU configurations requiring high I/O density and computational performance. Developers can initially work with a fully populated configuration and later reduce the design to one or two microcontrollers based on functional and cost constraints. This “start with the superset, then optimize” approach is intended to shorten development cycles while preserving flexibility for future model derivatives.
The development kit supports key zone control functions such as current and voltage protection, capacitive load switching, reverse polarity protection, secure data routing, over-the-air update support with A/B partitioning, and cybersecurity features implemented through hardware accelerators.
Applications and expected impact
The solution is designed for use in passenger vehicles adopting zone-based E/E architectures as part of broader SDV strategies. By enabling right-sized ZCU configurations, the platform supports reduced material usage, faster design iterations, and clearer transitions from concept validation to series production.
Pre-orders for the Zone Controller Development Kit are open, with initial shipments planned toward the end of the first quarter of calendar year 2026. The solution is presented at CES 2026 in the Infineon Meeting Room, LVCC West W307.
www.infineon.com
