Several months after the debut of Mercedes-Benz's A-Class hatchback (as the sedan version makes its debut), Visteon said it was supplying a claimed industry-first cockpit domain controller, SmartCore, which usies a single silicon chip with multiple central processing units (CPUs).
SmartCore powers the vehicle's instrument cluster and infotainment displays – some of which are optional – through touchscreen, touch pad or steering wheel remote controls.
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SmartCore is based on two digital displays for instrument cluster, vehicle controls, multimedia, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto features. The system also incorporates multiple display modes.
Sachin Lawande, Visteon president and CEO, said: "Visteon is the clear market leader in this segment and will be launching cockpit domain controller applications with several automakers during 2018 to 2020."
Depending on model and options, SmartCore powers the free-standing driver and information display consisting of two seven-inch screens or one seven- and one 10.25-inch screen.
Architecture allows the system to drive the A-Class's intelligent infotainment domain, running on Linux, beside an instrument cluster domain incorporating ASIL-B requirements – without any risk of interference between the two. This allows integration of two traditionally separate in-car domains into a single silver box, providing the remote intelligence that drives the two display units.
The infotainment includes tuner, multimedia and connectivity options such as Bluetooth, USB and Wi-Fi, and hands-free phone applications. SmartCore enables the operation of wireless CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink, as well as Baidu Carlife for China.
Programme management, development and engineering were led by the company's technical centres in Europe, India and the US while manufacturing is in Portugal.
