Equipped with an ASIL-D certified AI-accelerator and capable of supporting robust AI applications, this microcontroller family is set to transform motor control, battery management, and more, ensuring higher safety and performance in modern vehicles.
The role of embedded AI in the automotive sector is expanding, particularly in safety-critical real-time applications, which introduces new challenges and standards throughout the product lifecycle. Infineon Technologies has launched the AURIX TC4x microcontroller (MCU) family in response to these evolving needs. The MCUs are designed to fulfil AI-specific safety standards for SAFE AI compliance, as the Fraunhofer Institute for Cognitive Systems IKS recommends. Featuring an ASIL-D certified AI-accelerator (PPU), this product line provides a foundation for creating embedded AI-driven applications in areas such as motor control, battery management systems, vehicle motion control, and siren detection.
The key specifications include:
- Up to six TriCore v1.8 processors in lockstep, operating at speeds up to 500 MHz.
- Parallel Processing Unit (PPU): Supports AI up to ASIL-D standards.
- Data Routing Engine (DRE): Improves data handling and communication.
- Includes up to 25 MB of on-chip Flash memory.
- eGTM timers and high-resolution PWM with Low Latency Interconnect (LLI).
- Scalable high-speed communication interfaces: 5 Gbps Ethernet, PCIe, 10BASE T1S Ethernet, CAN-XL.
The SAFE AI framework, guided by ISO PAS 8800 and current AI regulations, is an evaluation methodology devised by Fraunhofer IKS that rates the trustworthiness of AI based on robustness, data utility, operational design domain (ODD), and environmental adaptability. The MCUfamily incorporates MCU can evaluate the safety and dependability of AI implementations and identify potential issues during the development and operation of systems. Incorporating AI models like neural networks into safety-critical real-time applications enhances accuracy and bolsters safety alongside traditional physical sensors.
Thomas Boehm, Senior Vice President of Microcontroller at Infineon, commented on the integration of AI into automotive microcontrollers: “Integrating effective and dependable AI features is crucial for enhancing vehicle performance, safety, and comfort. We are extremely pleased that the AURIX TC4x microcontroller has passed the SAFE AI assessment by the Fraunhofer Institute for Cognitive Intelligence, reinforcing our role as a leader in driving innovation in the field.”
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