Growing importance of functional safety in modern connected vehicles

The Indian automotive industry, with its rapid growth and adoption of cutting-edge technologies, is entering an era where vehicles are no longer just a means of transport, but sophisticated machines equipped with advanced safety, communication, and automation features.

One of the critical areas where this shift is evident is in the increasing focus on functional safety—a design principle aimed at minimising risks to life and health when using electrical/electronic (E/E) systems in vehicles. As India pushes towards making autonomous and connected vehicles a reality, the importance of functional safety in vehicles cannot be overstated.

Modern vehicles and increasing complexity

In recent years, Indian roads have seen an influx of vehicles with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), autonomous features, and connected technology. As these vehicles take on more and more functions, the challenge of ensuring their safety and reliability becomes paramount. Functional safety, while not a new concept in the global automotive industry, is now a core focus area, particularly for in-vehicle network (IVN) products, which are vital for managing the increased data and communication needs.

One of the key concerns of functional safety is the need to address both random hardware failures and systematic failures. As the complexity of vehicle systems grows, so does the potential for these failures, making safety measures more essential than ever. For instance, Indian automakers are increasingly integrating automotive Ethernet-based IVNs, which transport critical safety information, to ensure secure, reliable, and fast data transfer between various components of the vehicle.

Vehicle autonomy new emerging frontier

India, with its unique traffic and road conditions, presents an interesting case for the development and deployment of autonomous vehicles. While autonomous driving technology is still in its nascent stages in the country, major Indian OEMs such as Tata Motors and Mahindra have already begun investing in the technology. However, the success of autonomous vehicles in India hinges on how well they can meet the high safety standards required for operating in complex and unpredictable environments.

“Growing vehicle compexity increases the risk of random hardware and systematic failures, thus increasing the need for functional safety more than ever before,” Hitesh Garg, VP, and India Country Manager, NXP Semiconductors.

Autonomous vehicles rely heavily on in-vehicle networks to function safely. These networks must be capable of processing large amounts of data in real time, enabling the vehicle to make critical decisions, such as braking or steering, in the blink of an eye. For Indian manufacturers, the challenge lies in creating robust systems that can adapt to local conditions, where traffic unpredictability is high and infrastructure is inconsistent.

To achieve the required safety standards, new functional safety solutions need to be developed. For example, ISO 26262, the international standard for the functional safety of road vehicles, is now being increasingly adopted in India. This standard provides a framework for developing safe automotive systems, guiding manufacturers on how to handle safety-critical issues and ensuring that their vehicles meet global safety standards.

Zonalisation of In-Vehicle Network architecture

As vehicles become more autonomous and connected, the in-vehicle network (IVN) architecture is undergoing a significant transformation. The traditional domain-based sub-networks are gradually being replaced by zonal architectures, where vehicle functions are spread across the entire network. This shift is creating new challenges and opportunities for functional safety in Indian vehicles.

In a zonal architecture, data is decentralised and distributed across the entire vehicle, relying on robust communication networks to ensure that critical information is available at the right time. This is particularly important in India, where vehicles are subjected to harsh environmental conditions, such as extreme heat, monsoons, and poorly maintained roads. Ensuring the reliability and durability of IVNs in such conditions is vital to maintaining the safety and performance of the vehicle.

One of the key technologies driving this transformation is automotive Ethernet. With its ability to support high-speed data communication and reduce the weight and cost of cable harnesses, Ethernet is becoming the backbone of in-vehicle networks in modern vehicles. However, for Ethernet to be truly effective, it must be equipped with advanced monitoring and diagnostic features to detect and address failures in real time, ensuring system safety and availability.

Role of Ethernet PHYs in system safety

As IVN architectures evolve, the need for system safety and availability is growing. Ethernet PHYs (Physical Layer Transceivers), which serve as the communication link between the vehicle’s electronic systems, play a critical role in ensuring the reliability of data transmission.

In India, where automotive manufacturing is rapidly evolving, Ethernet PHYs with advanced features like fault detection and error correction are essential for meeting the high safety standards required for modern vehicles.

For Indian manufacturers, adopting such technologies is crucial as they work to develop vehicles that meet both domestic and international safety standards. By integrating advanced safety features at the component level, manufacturers can ensure that their vehicles are not only safe for Indian roads but also competitive in the global market.

Road to safer, smarter vehicles

India is poised to become a global leader in the development of autonomous and connected vehicles. However, to achieve this, the industry must prioritise functional safety and the development of robust in-vehicle networks that can handle the increasing complexity of modern vehicles.

By adopting international safety standards such as ISO 26262 and leveraging advanced technologies like Ethernet PHYs, Indian automakers can ensure that their vehicles are not only technologically advanced but also safe and reliable.

As Indian consumers become more safety-conscious, the demand for vehicles with advanced safety features will continue to grow. For automakers, this presents an opportunity to differentiate themselves by offering vehicles that not only provide comfort and convenience but also prioritise the safety of the driver and passengers.

Therefore, the future of the Indian automotive industry lies in its ability to embrace modern technologies while ensuring that safety remains at the forefront of innovation. By addressing the challenges of functional safety in in-vehicle networks, India can lead the way in developing safer, smarter, and more reliable vehicles for the global market.

Disclaimer: Hitesh Garg is the Vice President and India Managing Director of NXP Semiconductors. The views expressed are solely of the author.

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