2.7 A 28nm 600MHz Automotive Flash Microcontroller with Virtualization-Assisted Processor for Next-Generation Automotive Architecture Complying with ISO26262 ASIL-D

Abstract

Automotive architecture has been rapidly progressing toward integration and centralization [1]. Integration of multiple electronic control units (ECUs) reduces vehicle weight by deleting the wire harness between ECUs and the cooperative control of multiple functions, resulting in energy savings. The power consumption of automotive MCUs must be single-digit Watts under thermal constraints, and many functions have to be squeezed into one MCU. Adoption of a 28nm process is necessary for speed, power and density, because a conventional 40nm embedded flash process is insufficient on these axes. Furthermore, the integration of ECUs also mixes software components with varying safety integrity levels in one MCU. Resource isolation is inevitable for functional safety to avoid latent faults. In the autonomous driving era, data size and performance requirements will increase owing to the number and complexity of sensors requiring fusion in real time. Fast networks within vehicles are vital. With the evolution of sensor fusion, information centralization, and control decentralization, automotive architectures have been progressing toward increased integration and centralization.