NXP Launches Automotive PN Solution

May 31, 2011, Seoul – NXP Semiconductors announced today that it is introducing a Partial Networking (PN) solution for automobiles in Korea and starting development with its affiliates.

The PN solution is a 'partial networking' function that activates specific parts of a network at specific times; in the PN function, a module operates when it receives a specific message through the network. The PN solution is an eco-friendly solution that reduces standby power and significantly decreases CO2 emissions by cutting off power supply to unused components among the vehicle's ECUs (Electronic Control Units), and is expected to improve driving range after charging.

As the number of electronic components used in vehicles increases, the installation of ECUs (electronic control units) to control them is also rapidly increasing, and PN solutions are expected to play a key role in energy management systems, particularly in hybrid and electric vehicles.

In electric vehicles, certain functions such as battery monitoring and energy management operate continuously and generate bus traffic; consequently, CAN network modules unrelated to these functions also remain in a constant operational state. Therefore, a mechanism is required to prevent other functions from operating while specific functions are optimized for specific operating modes—such as driving, parking, and charging—and exchanging data over the network. If all modules continue to operate due to bus traffic...