White Paper Overview

The promise of autonomous vehicles is driving profound changes in the design and testing of automotive semiconductor parts. Automotive ICs, once deployed for simple functions like controlling windows, are now performing complex functions related to advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving applications. The processing power required results in very large and complex ICs that use cutting-edge processes. Add in the need to meet the safety requirements of the ISO 26262 functional safety standard, and makers of automotive devices and systems have a new set of challenges. But functional safety is only half the story; these systems will only be safe if they are also secure from cyber threats like hacking.

The increase in complex functional safety and security content within these devices requires more control and monitoring. Upgrading from basic hardware controls to a scalable solution of an embedded CPU and software-controlled “safety island” is becoming extremely popular.

This white paper explores the concepts around a typical safety island implementation along with examples of how it can be used.