Cockpit Hardware and Software Integration Development
For next-generation pre-development concept cockpit projects, ZD provides E/E architecture design, communication matrix definition, hardware and software integration and vehicle modification services, turning a concept into something that runs and can be verified.
Challenges Customers Face
The difficulty in custom projects is not any single technology but the interfaces between architecture, communication, hardware and physical realization.
Pre-development projects lack a platform to reference
Concept cockpits often appear before the series production platform, with no mature architecture or communication design to inherit, so the architecture concept, communication matrix and hardware selection must all be settled early in the project.
Multi-domain communication integration is difficult
CAN, LIN and automotive Ethernet coexist inside the cockpit, and each controller comes from a different supplier; protocol conversion, routing and signal mapping must be connected one by one during integration.
Scarce resources for prototype and show-car modification
Modification involves high-precision machining, interior wrapping, clay models and confidentiality management; external resources have long lead times and struggle to meet the project's confidentiality requirements.
Architecture Design and Communication Integration
From whole-vehicle E/E architecture to the communication design inside the cockpit, ZD provides end-to-end design and implementation.
Define the Architecture First, Then Integrate
ZD has provided cockpit domain system integration solutions for the full model lines of several international automotive brands, including the overall E/E architecture design for next-generation pre-development concept cockpits and the corresponding communication matrix definition.
On communication integration, ZD uses its in-house ZD Box series bus simulation products to perform communication protocol conversion and routing, integrating the cockpit's communication networks such as CAN, LIN and automotive Ethernet, and providing an implementable technical solution for the vehicle's connectivity and communication design.
Once architecture and communication definitions are complete, hardware integration, hardware-software joint debugging and system-level testing proceed along the V model, with corresponding deliverables and review gates at every stage.
Core Capabilities
Going from an architecture document to a cockpit that can be powered up and run requires capability at both the design and engineering ends.
E/E Architecture Design
Overall EEA architecture design for pre-development concept cockpits, including domain partitioning, network topology and functional allocation of controllers.
Communication Matrix Definition
Defines the messages, signals and cycles between nodes and outputs communication matrix documentation that suppliers can implement.
Communication Protocol Conversion and Routing
Based on the ZD Box series, performs protocol conversion and routing between CAN, LIN and automotive Ethernet to connect signal chains across network segments.
Hardware and Software Integration
Completes hardware integration, software deployment and joint debugging of cockpit controllers, covering subsystem design, ECU verification and system verification stages.
System Integration Testing
After integration, carries out functional testing, interaction testing and network communication testing to verify cockpit functions in the whole-vehicle environment.
Custom Vehicle Modification
Provides modification services for prototype and show cars, including interior wrapping, structural component machining and custom tooling fabrication.
Solution Composition
In-house interface devices handle access, conversion and routing for the cockpit's multiple networks, forming the hardware foundation for implementing the architecture solution.
Prototype and Show-Car Modification Capability
ZD has its own workshop and model stations, with machining, wrapping and assembly capability in a confidential environment.
Complete Process from Drawing to Physical Object
Gantry 5-Axis Workshop: high-precision machining equipment for making and assembling complex structural components.
Wrapping Workshop: professional interior wrapping craftsmanship ensuring texture and fit.
Clay Modelling Workshop: full-scale clay model production for visual presentation of styling and proportions.
Model Rooms and Review Rooms: 6 confidential model rooms with independent access control to meet project confidentiality requirements; the review room is equipped with rotating work tables to facilitate design reviews.
CMM Platform: 12 × 3 m work surface ensuring model assembly accuracy.
Modification Delivery Process
A standardized process ensures delivery quality, with inspection gates at every stage.
Kick-off Meeting
Clarify customer requirements and goals, and produce a detailed build and implementation plan.
Engineering Design
Turn the concept into engineering drawings, with structural simulation and verification.
Manufacturing and Assembly
High-precision machining of core components, assembled to process standards.
Inspection and Testing
Accuracy inspection and functional testing to verify that parameters meet the standard.
Surface Finishing
Spraying, sanding and special material treatment to ensure appearance quality.
Exhibit Handover
Handle intellectual property according to confidentiality requirements and complete final delivery formalities.
V-Model Full-Process Service Scope
The service scope covers the entire chain from requirement definition to product operation services, and can be taken in segments according to project stage.
Requirement Definition
Layer-by-layer decomposition of user requirements, product requirements, product function requirements and subsystem design.
Product Design
Product architecture design plus software and hardware architecture design, output down to unit-level design documents.
Product Development
Software engineering build, hardware unit design and verification, model design and verification.
Function Integration
ECU verification, controller integration, hardware and software integration, code generation and testing, system verification, and whole-vehicle function integration and testing.
Operation Services
Product acceptance and evaluation, system and integration testing, functional testing and algorithm verification.
Our Strengths
01Architecture Design Backed by Series Production Projects
The cockpit domain system integration solution has been applied to the full model lines of several international automotive brands, covering architecture and communication design for pre-development concept cockpits and series production platforms.
02In-House Hardware Connects the Communication Chain
Protocol conversion and routing are handled by the in-house ZD Box series; hardware and solution come from the same source, reducing uncertainty during integration.
03Integrated Delivery from Design to Physical Object
We combine architecture design and software integration capability with our own workshop for modification and machining, so there is no need to coordinate interfaces back and forth between multiple suppliers.
04Confidential Project Management Experience
6 confidential model rooms with independent access control and a standardized confidentiality process, meeting pre-development projects' intellectual property protection requirements.
FAQ
At what point is it best to get involved in a project?
We have our own hardware suppliers - can you just do the integration and testing?
How are the schedule and confidentiality of show-car modification ensured?
Do you support overseas projects?
Have a cockpit project that needs custom integration?
Tell us the project stage and goals, and we can propose a combination of architecture design, integration development and modification delivery.