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Happy’s Tech Talk #50: Start Your Digitalization Strategy With Automation
Infineon Technologies AG plays an important role in shaping the software-defined vehicle architecture of BMW Group’s Neue Klasse, a platform that redefines individual mobility by combining electrification, digitalization, and sustainability. By delivering an integrated, flexible, and future-ready electrical/electronic (E/E) architecture, the Neue Klasse lays an innovative foundation for safer, smarter, and more sustainable mobility solutions. Infineon solutions enable powerful and dependable computing, high-speed data connectivity and smart and efficient power management. Showcasing a BMW iX3, the first model of the Neue Klasse, at the Annual General Meeting (19 February), Infineon will demonstrate these contributions to its shareholders.
“We are proud to collaborate with BMW Group to shape the future of mobility," said Jochen Hanebeck, CEO of Infineon Technologies AG. “BMW Group’s Neue Klasse marks a significant step in introducing software-defined vehicles to the market and elevates individual mobility to the next level in terms of decarbonization and digitalization. We support the vision of a new software-defined platform with comprehensive expertise and cutting-edge technology.”
Transforming vehicle architecture for long-term adaptability
The Neue Klasse features an innovative E/E architecture designed for scalability and long-term adaptability of vehicle functions: It leverages Infineon’s portfolio of AURIX™ and TRAVEO™ microcontrollers, BRIGHTLANE™ Ethernet connectivity solutions, OPTIREG™ power management ICs as well as PROFET™ smart power switches and eFuses for software-defined vehicles (SDVs). By decoupling software from hardware, the architecture enables over-the-air features and software updates (SOTA) without any hardware changes, so that BMW can quickly adapt to evolving consumer demands and regulations.
Setting new standards for driving experience – the "Heart of Joy"
Four high-performance central computing units are at the core of this architecture, the "Superbrains". One of them is called "Heart of Joy" and governs driving dynamics such as acceleration, braking, and steering functions in a single high-speed computer. It enables faster processing than previous systems and minimizes latency. As a result, the driver benefits from smoother handling and an even more dynamic and responsive driving experience. In addition, optimized recuperation increases the range of the vehicle significantly.
To bring this precise vehicle performance to the road safely, the system’s computing power is built entirely on Infineon microcontrollers, with a latest-generation AURIX microcontroller (TC4D) at its core. High-speed BRIGHTLANE Ethernet seamlessly connects the “Heart of Joy” to the other systems, ensuring the real-time responsiveness required for optimal performance.
The other three “Superbrains” manage automated driving, infotainment, and base vehicle operations. All four “Superbrains” are supported by three separate Zone Control Units (ZCUs) – likewise controlled entirely by Infineon microcontrollers – that optimize data flow and power distribution, while end-point ECUs handle critical applications such as traction inverters, battery management, and on-board charging.
Increased efficiency through reduced wiring harness and smart power distribution
The zonal design of the vehicle platform also enhances efficiency and reduces material usage: The wiring harness of the BMW iX3 is less complex and, in total, around 600 meters shorter than in previous generations – which makes it approximately 30 percent lighter. In addition, smart eFuses like Infineon’s PROFET Wire Guard family replace up to 150 conventional fuses per vehicle, allowing BMW Group to implement an intelligent and efficient power distribution across the E/E architecture. The eFuses support software-controlled power management, enabling the vehicle to dynamically adjust energy distribution: Depending on the vehicle’s state (e.g. charging, driving, parking, upgrading) they switch off power consumers that are not needed. This improves energy efficiency by approximately 20 percent.
Infineon – a powerful partner for the SDV evolution
Infineon’s semiconductors enable clean, safe, and smart cars. A key focus is advancing centralized E/E vehicle architectures, the foundation for SDVs. Since 2020 Infineon has been the global market leader in automotive semiconductors. To strengthen this position, Infineon acquired Marvell Technology's automotive Ethernet business in August 2025. Ethernet is a critical enabler of the high-speed, low-latency communication required for SDV features such as autonomous driving and over-the-air updates.
