Automotive ECU Platform Solution

Application

Description

Complete automotive ECU platform solution using AutoChips MCUs, PMICs, and communication interfaces for body control and powertrain applications.

Core Advantages

Automotive Grade Quality AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification ensures reliable operation in harsh automotive environments

Integrated Solution Complete ECU solution with MCU, PMIC, and communication interfaces reduces BOM complexity

Functional Safety Ready ASIL-D capable MCUs with dual-core lockstep and ECC memory for safety-critical applications

Local Support LiTong FAE team provides Chinese language support and local technical assistance

Supply Security Domestic manufacturing provides supply chain security and shorter lead times

Recommended Bill of Materials (BOM)

Item	Part Number	Description	Quantity	Datasheet
1	AC78013	Automotive MCU with ARM Cortex-M0+ for ECU control	1	📄 Download
2	AC7801-LDO	Automotive LDO for 3.3V and 5V power rails	2	📄 Download
3	AC7801-CAN	CAN transceiver for vehicle communication	1	📄 Download

Applications

Body Control Modules

Powertrain Control Units

HVAC Control Systems

Lighting Control Modules

Battery Management Systems

Technical Specifications

M C U Core

ARM Cortex-M0+ up to 48MHz

Flash Memory

128KB with ECC

Operating Voltage

3.3V to 5V

Temperature Range

-40°C to +125°C

Communication

CAN-FD, LIN, SPI, I2C

Customer Success Stories

Automotive Tier-1 Supplier (Anonymous)

Automotive Electronics |

Challenge

Customer needed cost-effective body control module solution for mass-market vehicle platform. Previous solution using international MCU supplier had supply chain constraints and high cost. Required AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification and ASIL-B support for door control safety functions.

Solution

Implemented AC78013 MCU with integrated CAN-FD and LIN interfaces. Designed power supply using AC7801-LDO with load dump protection. Optimized PCB layout for automotive EMC compliance. Developed AUTOSAR software stack with functional safety mechanisms.

Results

New Energy Vehicle Manufacturer (Anonymous)

Electric Vehicles |

Challenge

Battery management system required ASIL-C capable MCU with precise ADC measurement for cell monitoring. System needed to operate from -40°C to +85°C with high reliability. Previous MCU had supply constraints affecting production ramp.

Solution

Designed BMS controller using AC78406 MCU with ASIL-D capability and dual 12-bit ADCs. Implemented redundant voltage measurement using multiple ADC channels. Used AC7840-PMIC for safety power supply monitoring. Developed ISO 26262 compliant software.

Results

FAE Expert Insights

Senior FAE

Applications Engineer

10+ years

Professional Insights

Having implemented this ECU platform solution in numerous automotive projects, I've identified several critical success factors. First, power supply design is absolutely crucial - automotive electrical environments are harsh with load dump transients and cold crank conditions. I always recommend using AutoChips PMICs with integrated load dump protection rather than external TVS diodes. Second, EMC compliance requires careful attention from the start. The AC7801x MCUs have good EMC performance, but PCB layout including ground plane design and signal routing is critical. I recommend separate analog and digital ground areas with single point connection. Third, functional safety implementation requires systematic approach. For ASIL applications, use the hardware safety features including ECC memory and clock monitoring. Don't rely solely on software safety mechanisms. Fourth, software development should follow automotive standards including AUTOSAR and MISRA C. AutoChips provides MCAL drivers which accelerate development. Overall, this platform provides excellent foundation for cost-effective automotive ECU designs with local support advantages.

Key Takeaways

Use integrated PMIC load dump protection for reliable power supply design
Implement careful PCB layout with proper grounding for EMC compliance
Leverage hardware safety features for ASIL-compliant systems
Follow AUTOSAR and MISRA C standards for software development
Engage LiTong FAE team early for design review and optimization

Decision Framework

Automotive ECU Platform Selection Framework

Steps:

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Ready to Implement This Solution?

Contact our FAE team for design support and quotes

Frequently Asked Questions

What EMC considerations apply to automotive ECU design?

Automotive ECU EMC design requires attention to multiple aspects including conducted emissions, radiated emissions, and immunity to disturbances. Key considerations include proper PCB ground plane design with minimal slots, filtered power entry points, shielded enclosures for sensitive circuits, and careful routing of high-speed signals. The AC7801x MCUs include features to reduce EMC such as slew rate control and spread spectrum clocking. LiTong provides EMC design guidelines and can review customer PCB layouts for compliance.

Follow automotive EMC design practices and engage LiTong for design review before EMC testing.

How do I implement functional safety with AutoChips MCUs?

Implementing functional safety with AutoChips MCUs requires systematic approach following ISO 26262 standard. For ASIL applications, use MCUs with hardware safety features including ECC memory, dual-core lockstep, and clock monitoring. Implement software safety mechanisms including safety monitoring, diagnostic tests, and safe state management. AutoChips provides safety manuals and FMEDA documents for safety analysis. LiTong FAEs can provide guidance on safety architecture and software implementation.

Contact LiTong for safety documentation and consulting support for ASIL-compliant designs.

What software development tools are available?

AutoChips provides comprehensive software development tools including AC7801x SDK with peripheral drivers and example code, AUTOSAR MCAL drivers for automotive software stacks, support for Keil MDK, IAR Embedded Workbench, and GCC toolchains, and Flash programming and debugging tools. The SDK includes safety libraries for ASIL applications. AutoChips also provides evaluation boards and reference software to accelerate development.

Download AutoChips SDK and evaluation board to start development. Contact LiTong for technical support.

Can this platform be used for safety-critical applications?

Yes, the ECU platform can be used for safety-critical applications when implemented with appropriate safety measures. The AC7840x MCUs include hardware safety features for ASIL-D compliance. For ASIL applications, the design must include redundant monitoring, diagnostic coverage, and safe state management. LiTong provides safety consulting services to help customers achieve required ASIL levels.

Contact LiTong for safety consulting and documentation for ASIL-compliant ECU designs.

What production testing is recommended?

Production testing for automotive ECUs should include electrical parametric testing, functional testing of all peripherals, Flash programming verification, and boundary scan testing. AutoChips MCUs support JTAG boundary scan for manufacturing test. LiTong can provide production test recommendations and support test program development. AEC-Q100 qualification ensures components meet automotive reliability requirements.

Implement comprehensive production testing including boundary scan and functional verification.

How do I ensure supply continuity for automotive production?

Ensuring supply continuity requires planning and partnership with your distributor. LiTong recommends providing rolling 12-month forecasts for production planning, establishing safety stock agreements for critical components, and considering dual-source strategies where appropriate. As an authorized AutoChips distributor, LiTong provides supply chain visibility and can support VMI programs for high-volume customers. AutoChips' domestic manufacturing provides additional supply security.

Work with LiTong to establish forecasting and inventory management programs for supply security.