Introduction
In automotive applications, domain controllers are specialized computers that manage a set of vehicle functions within a specific area, or domain. Functional domains that typically need a domain controller require substantial computing power and are connected to numerous input/output (I/O) devices. Examples include active safety, user experience, and body and chassis functions.
Radars, cameras, and other sensors around the car provide inputs to an active safety domain controller, which then uses that data to build a model of the surroundings. Based on what the model indicates, software programs in the domain controller subsequently decide “policy and planning” what the vehicle should do. For instance, based on pre-set regulations, the software may use sensor-generated images to identify a pedestrian who will cross the road and trigger the car to either apply the brakes or warn the driver.
Types of Domain Controllers in Vehicles
According to their functional domain, domain controllers in the automotive sector usually fall into one of several major categories:
- Powertrain Domain Controller: In charge of controlling the car’s engine, gearbox, and additional propulsion and power systems. These controllers are essential for maximizing performance, emissions, and fuel economy. Powertrain domain controllers regulate the motor, battery, and energy flow in electric cars.
- Chassis and Body Domain Controller: These controllers regulate the vehicle’s body features like door locks, climate control, and lighting as well as its physical dynamics like steering, braking, and suspension. The vehicle’s comfort and safety are enhanced by chassis and body domain controllers.
- Active Safety Domain Controller: Made to interpret information from radar, cameras, and sensors to make safety judgments in real-time. This domain controller is crucial for features like adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, and lane-keeping because it builds a model of the environment around the car.
Information, entertainment, and user experience. Domain controllers are in charge of the infotainment system, instrument cluster, and other controls that interact with passengers, such as the navigation and climate systems. These controllers facilitate functions that improve the user’s engagement with the car, resulting in a smooth and joyful experience.
Why are domain controllers essential?
Several factors are driving the growing use of domain controllers in automobiles:
- Complexity Reduction: As cars get more features, there are more electronic control units (ECUs), which makes the wiring system more complex. By combining many ECUs into a single, central controller, domain controllers simplify the wiring harness of the car and increase durability.
- Increased Processing Capacity: As automobile technology has developed, cars now need a significant amount of processing power. The power required to manage complicated activities, such as processing radar data for active safety features or operating high-definition graphics for entertainment systems, is provided by domain controllers, which are tuned for certain functions.
- Reduced Manufacturing Costs: Automakers can reduce costs related to components, wiring, and software development by reducing the number of ECUs by combining various functions into a single controller. Because fewer ECUs need to be integrated and deployed, domain controllers also expedite the production process.
- Software Update Facilitation: Continuous enhancement of vehicle performance and features is made possible by over-the-air (OTA) software upgrades, which are made possible by a centralized controller configuration. As manufacturers remotely send out new features and safety improvements, OTA updates are becoming more and more valuable.
Domain Controllers and the Evolution of E/E Architecture
Domain controllers drive E/E architecture by centralizing vehicle functions, replacing traditional ECU-based designs with a more integrated approach. But as car technology has developed, this model has grown unwieldy, necessitating a more efficient strategy.
Functions can be organized into discrete domains with a domain controller, each of which is controlled by a strong controller. This move toward centralized computing consolidates vehicle operations, simplifying design, reducing wiring, and boosting processing power.
Smart Vehicle Architecture™ (SVA) centralizes E/E systems, enhancing connectivity, efficiency, and scalability for electric and autonomous vehicles.
Key Domains Controlled by Domain Controllers
1. Active Safety
The active safety domain controller is crucial, especially for advancing autonomous vehicles. A variety of sensors located throughout the car, including cameras, radars, and LiDAR, provide data to active safety controllers. The controller makes decisions about safety-related activities by using this data to build a model of the vehicle’s environment.
For example, the system may automatically apply the brakes or notify the driver if it detects a pedestrian in the route of the car. Features like adaptive cruise control, blind spot identification, and lane departure warning depend on this domain controller.
2. User Experience
Domain controllers not only handle infotainment, climate, and displays but also integrate with touchscreens and audio to create a seamless user experience. By unifying these functions, they enhance system efficiency and responsiveness. Moreover, their ability to manage multiple features ensures a more intuitive and connected driving experience.
User experience domain controllers enable seamless integration of phones, cloud services, and advanced controls in connected cars. Automakers create a customized driving experience that customers can adjust to suit their tastes.
Chassis and body suspension, braking, steering, lighting, and door control are among the structural and motion-related operations managed by the body and chassis domain controller. Because it allows for precise control over the vehicle’s physical characteristics, this domain improves comfort and safety. For example, it adjusts headlights based on steering and speed or modifies suspension for better ride quality.
The advantages of domain controllers
The following advantages of domain controllers make them very appealing to automakers:
- Better Performance: Automakers can enhance processing speed and performance by optimizing hardware and software for certain activities through the use of domain-specific controllers.
- Cost-effectiveness: By lowering the number of separate ECUs, domain controllers contribute to lower production, wiring, and system integration expenses.
- Scalability: Due to their capacity to adapt to changing software requirements, domain controllers facilitate the addition of new features and upgrades.
- Enhanced Security: As cars become more interconnected, safeguarding data and managing cyber security threats becomes more crucial. Fewer, centralized computing nodes make this possible.
Challenges and Considerations
Although domain controllers have many benefits, there are drawbacks as well:
- High Development Costs: High development costs require significant investment in processing power and resilience.
- Complex Integration: In a vehicle with several systems, it can be difficult for domain controllers to connect across multiple domains with ease.
- Heat Management: As domain controllers take on more computing duties, they generate a significant amount of heat. Consequently, this increased thermal load calls for sophisticated thermal management solutions to maintain optimal performance and reliability.
The Future of Domain Controllers
As the industry shifts to electrification and autonomy, domain controllers become essential. By integrating various vehicle functions, they enhance efficiency, connectivity, and performance. Furthermore, as software-defined vehicles gain traction, the role of domain controllers will expand, ensuring seamless communication between different systems. Ultimately, these advancements will pave the way for more intelligent, autonomous, and electrified transportation solutions.
In the coming years, domain controllers will merge into centralized, high-performance systems managing multiple domains. This transition will enhance efficiency, reduce complexity, and enable more advanced vehicle functionalities.
Streamlining architecture and development makes “vehicle computers” more efficient while enhancing support for ADAS, AI, and connected services.
Domain controllers are a crucial stage in the progression of the automotive industry toward complex E/E architectures. Domain controllers contribute to the development of future automobiles by centralizing operations, increasing processing capacity, and facilitating a scalable platform.
Connect with us to learn more about domain controllers and explore our EV software services, including VCUs, CAN keypads, CAN displays, and more. For details, contact info@dorleco.com.