From GPS-driven navigation to infotainment and wireless connectivity, automotive telematics capabilities are as
integral to our driving experience as the engines and wheels that keep us rolling down the road. Rapid advances in
silicon
and software technologies are the driving force behind this automotive transformation.
Today’s cars are intelligent, connected software-defined vehicle (SDV) platforms, running on
millions of lines of code and laden with sensors, processors and wireless modems and transceivers linked by
in-vehicle networks. Developers are also enhancing automotive designs using AI-driven techniques like digital twin
virtualization to create digital
replicas of vehicle systems to model performance in real time. The fusion of these advanced technologies is enabling
safer, smarter, more connected, and more comfortable vehicles.
Instead of adding hardware components to deliver new automotive features, SDV platforms are upgraded through
over-the-air (OTA) updates using wireless connections, that include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and cellular. To handle
the
upsurge in data throughput, vehicle architectures are migrating to high-speed Ethernet-based networks.
Anticipating these automotive industry trends, NXP has introduced the i.MX 94 applications processor family, the
latest
addition to the i.MX 9
portfolio, designed to meet the increasingly complex connectivity requirements of modern
cars.
Integrating up to four Arm Cortex-A55 cores, two Cortex-M7 cores and a Cortex-M33 core, the i.MX 94 family brings a
unique blend of performance, power efficiency, real-time control, functional safety and integration into telematics
system design. Standout features include:
- The first i.MX processor to integrate an Ethernet time-sensitive network (TSN) switch, enabling fast
initialization
and low-latency handling of data packets
- Integrated peripherals allow the i.MX 94 family to act as a hub for managing all the vehicle's external wireless
connections, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular modems, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications, GPS and
more
- Advanced security with postquantum cryptography (PQC)
- Enhanced functional
safety supporting compliance with rigorous automotive industry standards
The world of telematics is evolving. Explore the wide range of automotive connectivity features
provided by NXP’s
i.MX 94 family.
Integrated 2.5 G Ethernet TSN Switch for Fast Initialization and Low-Power Operation
As the first i.MX processor with an on-chip Ethernet TSN switch, the i.MX 94 family eliminates the need for an
external
Ethernet switch. This groundbreaking integration enables developers to minimize component count, board space and
bill of
materials (BOM), streamlining development and reducing overall system cost and complexity.
Integrated Ethernet TSN switching enables fast, energy-efficient networking by prioritizing critical data, starting
up
quickly, and minimizing unnecessary data transmission, making it ideal for modern automotive networks that demand
speed
and efficiency. Integration reduces latency by minimizing the distance between the processing unit and the
networking
components, which is crucial for time-sensitive applications like diagnostics, emergency alerts or transmitting
vehicle
status data in real-time.
The integrated Ethernet switch design also consumes less power compared to external switches. Using the processor’s
built-in real-time cores to initialize the Ethernet switch quickly from a cold boot, developers can meet stringent
requirements for early internal network availability. They can also reduce power consumption during operation by
shutting down other parts of the chip while managing the switch via an on-chip real-time controller. NXP’s Energy
Flex
architecture also enables fine-grained control of energy usage, making the i.MX 94 family a highly power-efficient
processor for vehicle telematics and connectivity.
NXP’s new i.MX 94 applications processor family.
Connectivity Domain Controller for Telematics Applications
The i.MX 94 family is optimized to form the heart of a Connectivity Domain controller, which integrates all the
car’s external wireless connectivity in a single ECU and connects to the vehicle Ethernet network, aligned with
modern SDV
architectures. In addition to integrated high-speed Ethernet, the i.MX 94 family can connect to wireless modems,
transceivers and networks through SPI, I2C, UART, USB, PCIe and CAN-FD interfaces. Wireless connectivity options
include
5G cellular, radio tuner, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications, high precision global navigation satellite
system
(GNSS), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and ultra-wideband (UWB).
Concentrating all of the external wireless interfaces in one ECU enables a modular connectivity solution with
consistent
cybersecurity filtering applied to all external communications. It also enables better RF coexistence management
and
supports cloud-managed OTA software updates.
State-of-The-Art Security with Post-Quantum Cryptography
Modern automotive components pose the same security risks as other connected devices. Expanded connectivity options
also
turn the car into a wireless node with multiple attack surfaces, presenting significant security concerns. To help
safeguard automotive systems against malicious intrusions and cyberattacks, the i.MX 94 family features NXP’s EdgeLock Secure Enclave technology with integrated postquantum cryptography
(PQC) support.
Additional built-in security measures include remote recovery capabilities, a dedicated V2X crypto-accelerator
(Prime)
for fast-boot, real-time authentication and updated cryptographic protocol support for secure, low-latency
communications. The on-chip eIQ Neutron Neural Processing Unit (NPU)
enables AI and machine learning (ML) assisted anomaly detection which is capable of recognizing new zero-day attacks
that have not been previously identified.
These combined cybersecurity technologies make the i.MX 94 family a safe, secure processing option for telematics.
Built-In Functional Safety and Compliance with Rigorous Industry Standards
The i.MX 94 family features integrated hardware within the SoC to enable highly configurable, secure communications
and
functional safety capabilities to support ISO 21434 and ISO 26262 ASIL B compliance. Dedicated components assigned
to
managing critical systems, including features like redundancy, monitoring and error correction, ensure the safe
operation of telematics systems. NXP offers software tools and libraries for functional safety,
including safety-optimized firmware, drivers and safety software components to help developers create systems that
meet rigid
safety requirements.
Connect with NXP Today to Begin Your Next Telematics System Design
Explore how NXP’s i.MX 94
family can bring the benefits of integrated high-speed Ethernet, advanced security and
functional safety to your vehicle telematics and connectivity applications.
Explore more on telematics and vehicle networking by visiting NXP's i.MX 94 applications processor family.
