Zone Control Units (ZCU)

Typically found in Zonal Architectures, Zone Control Units (ZCUs) are responsible for systems and functions within a particular zone instead of a domain. Using a simplified system architecture helps reduce complexity and optimize the weight and length of wires and electronic components. ZCUs act as a local gateway ensuring connectivity between central processor, sensors, actuators and other ECUs. They decentralize the power distribution within the vehicle and are connected to each other via high-speed networks such as ethernet.

Block diagram
Design considerations
Product listing
Support

Block diagram

Highlighted components are Nexperia focus products.

Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS)

Reverse battery protection

Power management

Direct interface

Data interface

Signal control

Load management

Select a component

To view more information about the Nexperia components used in this application, please select a component above or click on a component (highlighted in blue) in the block diagram.

Design considerations

Requires scalable and flexible product families depending on ZCUs functional aggregation, communication interfaces and output variants for load management
Discrete and integrated protection, power conversion and management solutions in multiple product families
Use rugged and robust packages like Nexperias LFPAK and CFP packages which further supports space saving, thermal efficiency and high reliability levels
ESD protection approved and tested to the latest standards for high speed communication network amongst the ZCUs and High Performance Computers (HPC)
Small signal discrete and logic devices add additional safety features that are independent from the main processor

Bipolar transistors

Diodes

ESD protection, TVS, filtering and signal conditioning

MOSFETs

SiC MOSFETs

GaN FETs

IGBTs

Analog & Logic ICs

Automotive qualified products (AEC-Q100/Q101)