NXP launches CAN partial networking solution for automotives

NXP Semiconductors N.V. has announced the first NWP ISO 11898-6 and AUTOSAR R3.2.1 compliant solution supporting CAN Partial Networking.

The stand-alone TJA1145 CAN transceiver and integrated system basis chip UJA1168 – the world’s first highly integrated solution to support CAN Partial Networking – give design engineers precision control over a vehicle’s bus communication network. By intelligently de-activating electronic control units (ECUs) that are currently not needed, engineers can significantly reduce vehicle fuel consumption and CO2 emissions without sacrificing performance or consumer experience.

Reducing CO2, improving energy efficiency
So, how will the NXP solution reduce CO2 and improve energy efficiency in vehicles? Karsten Penno, business development manager, Business Unit Automotive, NXP, said: "In current CAN networks, all ECUs are always active and consuming power when the vehicle is in use. This is the case even if the applications they control aren’t continuously required, such as seat positioning, sun roof operation, park assistance systems, etc.

"CAN Partial Networking changes this model by activating only those ECUs that are functionally required, while other ECUs remain in a low-power mode until needed. This results in significant savings in power/fuel consumption, reducing costs, wiring and CO2 emissions. CAN Partial Networking is also extremely beneficial for electric and hybrid vehicles as it helps extending their operating range and optimizing charging time. Saving potential: 0.11l fuel savings/100km and 2.6g CO2 reduction/km."

Why not before?
Now, if the CAN Partial Networking solution is so novel, why wasn't it thought of before?

Penno said: "Innovations like CAN Partial Networking always require a broad industry acceptance and standardization. The CAN bus system - as key component of in-vehicles networks - has been around for many years (introduced in early '90s). However, only with the rising awareness on CO2 emissions and overall vehicle efficiency - along with growing CAN node counts - came the need for a more efficient CAN standard. NXP is innovation leader in this area and is chairs the standardizing working group within ISO."

Also, doesn't it seem a bit late that NXP is thinking about reducing CO2 and improving energy efficiency? What was it doing earlier?

Penno remarked: "NXP has had a focus on energy efficiency for a long time. We believe that, traditionally, the engine has been the focus of all emission reduction programs. However, in our opinion, increased combustion efficiency and catalytic converters can take the industry only so far. Since gas and diesel engines still power more than 90 percent of new cars sold worldwide, it would not be wise to stop innovating vehicles with internal combustion engines. NXP therefore caters for all - from conventional to hybrid and elecxtrical vehicles.

"The full potential of savings is quite impressive. Electric Power Steering (EPS), start-stop systems, dual-clutch transmissions and partial networking all significantly contribute to energy savings. Here's our focus areas that we have for driving efficiency (besides the new partial networking innovation).

• Start/stop systems will reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions between 4 and 10 percent;
• Electric power steering can save 5.9 g/km in CO2 emissions;
• Dual-clutch systems deliver 10 percent energy savings compared to conventional five-speed automatic transmissions; and
• Partial body networks can save up to 2.6 g/km.

"For these applications, NXP offers high-accuracy magnetoresistive sensors, low RDSon, MOSFETs, CAN and FlexRay transceivers, partial networking, and high-efficiency audio amplifiers working seamlessly down to 6Vs."

Role for solar
That's leads to a thought! Does NXP also propose to focus on solar PV for reducing CO2 and energy efficiency?

Penno added: "CO2 emission reduction can be achieved in many different applications, with the help of smart chips. The efficiency improvement of solar panels is only one of them. NXP’s GreenChip helps power adapters to become more efficient. NXP chips make car engines consume less fuel, and NXP’s In-Vehicle Networking solutions reduce car weight and thus help reduce fuel consumption.

"Smart electricity meters make consumers more aware of their power consumption, and help them reduce it. Intelligent Traffic Systems reduce traffic jam, and help select the most fuel efficient route. So, there are many ways to reduce CO2 emissions and NXP contributes to that with our smart chips."