NXP targets automotive market with ‘game changing’ partial networking solution

The stand alone TJA1145 CAN transceiver and UJA1168 system basis chip allow for the precision control over a vehicle's bus communication network, enabling engineers to deactivate the electronic control units (ECUs) that are not needed. This is said to result in reduced fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. Karsten Penno, business development manager of automotive at NXP, told New Electronics: "The TJA1145 and UJA1168 represent a real game changing innovation in in-vehicle electronics as they allow manufacturers to phase in new power saving technologies without having to start from scratch. "Engineers can selectively shut down or wake up the ECUs required, resulting in significant savings in power consumption, costs and CO₂ emissions. There is also huge potential for the solutions in future electric and hybrid vehicles, where operating range could be significantly extended." NXP has received backing from leading car manufacturers such as Audi, Porsche, BMW and Volkswagen for the new solutions. "Companies such as Audi and Volkswagen have already started to introduce partial networking into their next generation models," noted Penno. "We believe the TJA1145 and UJA1168 will boost the introduction of the technology and push it into the mainstream." Sampling now, the solutions are expected to be available in the first half of 2012.