Summary of Automotive Electronics Architecture Conference Call Industry Overview - The automotive electronics architecture is transitioning from domain controllers to regional computing platforms, integrating central computing platforms with varying degrees of integration, including chassis functions [1][2] - Communication methods are evolving from traditional CAN bus to Ethernet, with companies like Xiaopeng Motors supporting Ethernet communication, while Geely's BEI3.0 domain controller does not [1][3] Key Developments in Automotive Electronics - The distribution method in automotive electronics has shifted from traditional relay-based systems to lightweight ECU-based vehicle mode management, optimizing energy consumption and improving efficiency and reliability [1][4] - Manufacturers are reducing the use of traditional microcontrollers (MCUs); for instance, Lingpao Motors uses only 28 MCUs in its latest model, compared to the typical 40-50 in other vehicles [1][5] - Some features, such as seat heating and massage functions, are not integrated into the domain control unit (DCU) to accommodate different model configurations and reduce costs [1][6] - The integration of more functions into domain controllers allows manufacturers to simplify production processes and reduce costs, with the cost of Lynk & Co's 3.5 generation products decreasing by 30%-40% compared to the previous generation [1][8] Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV) - Software-defined vehicles (SDV) abstract vehicle capabilities and simplify update processes through service-oriented architecture (SOA), enhancing flexibility and efficiency [1][9] - SDV enables the implementation of personalized features, such as electric doors, by abstracting sensor and actuator capabilities [1][10] Changes in Electronic and Electrical Architecture - The current electronic and electrical architecture is characterized by a central plus regional controller structure and SOA, with potential future integration of cockpit, body, gateway, and connectivity modules [1][11] - Integration can potentially eliminate the need for traditional ECUs, significantly reducing hardware costs [1][12] Industry Trends and Challenges - Major companies in the industry are pursuing integration, though the degree of integration varies [1][13] - Traditional fuel vehicles are less likely to adopt advanced electronic architectures due to cost and feasibility concerns [1][14] - New architectures offer significant cost savings and maintenance advantages, enhancing competitiveness against foreign fuel vehicles [1][15][16] Chassis Control Systems - The trend in chassis control systems is towards integration, with many manufacturers moving towards a larger chassis domain controller [1][19] - Challenges in integrating chassis systems include meeting safety requirements, as the integration must satisfy higher safety standards [1][18] Cost Reduction and Market Position - The optimization of electronic architecture and reduction in ECU numbers have led to significant hardware cost reductions, contributing to lower vehicle prices while maintaining competitiveness [1][24] - Domestic companies have made notable progress in automotive electronics architecture, although they still rely on international suppliers for MCU chips [1][25] Domestic Chip Development - Domestic companies are beginning to explore the use of local chips in vehicle computing units, but high-end models remain hesitant due to performance concerns [1][26] - Current integrated structures in vehicle computing units are limited to physical integration rather than full functional integration due to insufficient chip capabilities [1][27] Future Prospects - The application of domestic chips in the automotive industry is gradually increasing, but significant gaps in performance compared to leading manufacturers like NVIDIA and Qualcomm remain [1][29]