NXP Semiconductors and Rimac Technology have joined forces to develop a next-generation centralized computing architecture tailored for software-defined vehicles (SDVs). This collaboration marks a significant step toward simplifying automotive electronic systems, boosting performance, and accelerating the adoption of SDVs across vehicle segments. Embedded +1

Why Centralized Architecture Matters in SDVs

Traditional automotive electronic systems rely on a large number of discrete electronic control units (ECUs) — often more than 20 — each responsible for specific functions like powertrain control, braking, battery management, and body electronics. While this distributed approach has worked for decades, it creates complexity in wiring, software integration, system maintenance, and cost. Embedded

Software-Defined Vehicles shift this paradigm. SDVs depend on software-driven features, real-time updates, and flexible integration of vehicle functions. To support these, car architectures must transition from flat, distributed ECUs to centralized domain and zonal computing platforms — essentially giving the vehicle a powerful “brain” that manages multiple functions from a few consolidated units. Embedded

What NXP and Rimac Are Building

At the heart of this new architecture is NXP’s S32E2 real-time processor, part of the company’s S32 Automotive Processing Platform. Rimac Technology — a Tier-1 automotive supplier known for high-performance control systems — is the first to adopt the S32E2 series in its next-generation ECU platform designed for SDVs. Embedded

Together, NXP and Rimac have developed a solution that:

Consolidates over 20 ECUs into just three centralized units, drastically simplifying vehicle electronic architecture. Embedded

Enables integration of critical functions such as vehicle dynamics, energy and thermal management, charging control, and body electronics on a single platform. Embedded

Provides optimization for domain and zonal control — two architectural approaches that balance efficiency, wiring simplicity, and software scalability in SDVs. NXP

Key Features of the S32E2 Platform

The S32E2 processor brings a powerful foundation for centralized automotive computing:

Multi-core Real-Time Processing: Integrates eight ARM Cortex-R52 cores clocked up to ~1 GHz, delivering strong deterministic performance for real-time vehicle control tasks. Embedded

Robust Functional Safety: Designed to meet ISO 26262 ASIL D safety requirements, ensuring high reliability for critical operations. Embedded

Hardware Security: Includes a hardware security engine for secure boot, cryptographic key management, and robust protection against software tampering. Electronics Buzz

Resource Isolation: Advanced core-to-pin isolation ensures multiple applications can run concurrently without interference. Electronics Buzz

High Integrability: Supports large non-volatile memory, high-resolution analog interfaces, and modern in-vehicle networking standards like CAN FD, LIN, and Ethernet. Embedded

This makes the S32E2 not just a central controller, but a platform capable of safely and securely integrating multiple real-time automotive workloads on fewer hardware units — reducing cost, weight, system complexity, and power consumption. Embedded

Impact on Automotive Development

The NXP–Rimac architecture advances several industry goals:

✔ Reduced Bill of Materials (BOM) — Fewer ECUs means lower hardware cost and less wiring. Embedded

✔ Simplified Software Integration — Centralized control simplifies software updates, testing, and feature deployment. NXP

✔ Scalability — Designed to fit vehicles from high-end hypercars to broader mobility segments as SDV adoption grows. Embedded

✔ OEM Ready Platform — Provides a development path for automakers (OEMs) and Tier-1 suppliers to accelerate SDV feature rollout. Electronics Buzz

Rimac is already applying this ECU platform in an upcoming hypercar program, with plans to scale it into other vehicle categories and alternative mobility sectors. Embedded

Conclusion

The NXP and Rimac collaboration marks a major milestone in automotive electronics evolution. By consolidating more than 20 ECUs into just three centralized computing units with the powerful S32E2 processor, this architecture reduces complexity while future-proofing vehicles for software-defined capabilities — from connectivity and safety to energy management and beyond. Embedded

For developers, this partnership highlights a clear industry trend: centralized, software-centric vehicle computing is becoming essential for next-generation mobility. Embracing such platforms will streamline development efforts and open new possibilities for intelligent, flexible vehicle software ecosystems.