Modern vehicles require new E/E
architectures that are secure, scalable, and
software capable. AVL provides a concrete
example of an SDV-ready concept – from
centralized computing power to seamless
OTA integration.
AVL’s Approach to
SDV E/E Architectures
Redefining the Vehicle Backbone:
he transformation toward software-defined vehicles
(SDVs) is reshaping the automotive industry. Functions
are increasingly defined by software, continuously
expanded, and updated throughout the vehicle lifecycle. This
puts growing demands on electrical/electronic (E/E) archi-
tectures: they must be secure, scalable, and flexible – serving
as the foundation for new services, enhanced comfort, and
automated driving.
The Need for New Architectures
Traditional distributed or domain-based approaches are reach-
ing their limits. OEMs face rising software complexity, shorter
development cycles, and greater integration efforts. At the
same time, expectations around connectivity, safety, security,
and software maturity continue to grow. An SDV-capable E/E
architecture must meet these challenges while operating
quietly and reliably in the background.
The AVL Architecture Example
AVL has developed a practical concept that has been intro-
duced to various commercial vehicle customers in a segment
where reliability, scalability, and total cost of ownership are
critical. Therefore, the E/E architecture concept combines
centralized and zonal approaches (see figure):
• A central vehicle domain ECU consolidates core functions
with a high degree of centralization.
• Zonal ECUs manage local I/Os and power distribution,
reducing wiring harness complexity.
• High-performance domain servers cover innovation-driven
areas such as in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) and ADAS.
• A 5G telematics unit enables fast over-the-air (OTA) up-
dates and secure cloud connectivity.
This architecture creates a scalable backbone that balances
centralized computing with modular expandability.
Value Through a Comprehensive Portfolio
AVL delivers more than architecture concepts. Its enhanced
E/E and software portfolio provides end-to-end solutions
– covering architecture definition, hardware and software
development, integration, testing, and validation. This also in-
cludes cross-domain expertise in areas such as cyber security,
functional safety, diagnostics, OTA update strategies, and data
analytics. In this way, AVL supports customers across every
stage of the V-model – from early concept through to SOP.
Experience and Agility as Key Enablers
What sets AVL apart is the combination of deep automotive
application know-how, a globally connected engineering
network, and cutting-edge methods such as single-source-of-
truth architecture definition, model-based simulation, auto-
mation, and virtual development. Equally important is agility:
in today’s fast-changing environment, agile processes are
what enable OEMs to keep pace and translate innovation into
market-ready solutions.
“AVL’s strength is integrating
E/E and software architectures
seamlessly – backed by testing,
simulation, and global expertise.”
THOMAS GINSBERG
Product Group Leader E/E
T-Box
Zone
Front
Vehicle Domain
Chassis
Power-
train
ADAS
IVI
Gateway
Zone
Right
Zone
Left
HOME OF INNOVATION
NEXT GENERATION VEHICLES
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