Driveline Control Integrated with Zonal Architectures in Software-Defined Vehicles

Abstract

Modern automotive drivelines encompass complete all-wheel drive management, precision torque vectoring systems, and integrated regenerative braking functions. Traditional implementations employed domain-specific electronic control units to manage these complex functions through independent operational frameworks. Current software-defined vehicle development initiatives transition toward server-zone architectures incorporating distributed zone control units paired with high-performance central computing platforms. This article presents a service-oriented driveline control framework distributed across multiple zones, where specialized microservices manage torque allocation algorithms, slip detection protocols, and regenerative braking coordination, while centralized arbitration systems provide mode management and operational oversight. Network infrastructure selections prioritize Automotive Ethernet implementations with Time-Sensitive Networking capabilities, ensuring deterministic delivery of time-critical torque commands, complemented by Controller Area Network protocols supporting actuator-local control loops and comprehensive diagnostic communications. Functional safety implementation addresses sensing, estimation, and actuation pathway decomposition through independent monitoring capabilities that enable axle isolation or torque-neutral operational modes during fault conditions. Predictive diagnostic systems integrate inverter thermal characteristics and vibration signature analysis to anticipate performance degradation events. Implementation guidance addresses migration pathways from legacy domain architectures toward zone control unit topologies, demonstrating wiring harness optimization and enhanced feature development capabilities. Industry supplier communications and technical documentation confirm zone control unit and server-zone methodologies achieving commercial deployment across diverse vehicle segments, spanning entry-level through premium market categories.