Schaeffler Expands Vehicle Electronics Portfolio With New Zone Controller Platform
Schaeffler has introduced a zone-controller family that centralizes body, powertrain, and chassis functions while adding versions for higher computing loads and 48V vehicle networks.
- 2026
- 1.27 Billion
- 16,891 Units
What Happened
Schaeffler's new platform groups functions that are traditionally spread across separate control units, including body systems, lighting, doors, seats, powertrain, and chassis. Its Zone Controller Basic organizes those functions by vehicle region and is already associated with design wins from several automakers.
The supplier also offers a Performance version for vehicles that need more processing capacity, faster communications, and tight real-time control. The hardware platform uses microcontrollers from NXP's S32K5 family and Infineon's TC4 series, according to the report.
A separate 48V controller supports star and backbone power-distribution layouts. Schaeffler said its China engineering base can localize chips, materials, and connectors, while its global development and manufacturing network supports vehicle programs intended for export markets.
Why this matters
Zone controllers replace many distributed electronic control units with regional computing and power nodes. Schaeffler's platform is positioned for automakers that need a common electrical architecture across Chinese and export programs, with design wins already reported for the basic version.
Terms in This Story
- EV
- Electric vehicle, a vehicle powered fully or partly by electricity.
- ADAS
- Advanced driver assistance systems, features that help the driver with safety or convenience tasks.
- ICE
- Internal combustion engine, the conventional petrol or diesel engine type.
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