Intelligent Power Distribution for Vehicle E/E Architectures

FORVIA HELLA and Analog Devices are jointly developing the iConF (intelligent Configurable Fuse) system to address power distribution and protection requirements in next-generation automotive electrical/electronic (E/E) architectures, with series production planned from 2028.

Context of the Cooperation
FORVIA HELLA is an automotive systems supplier with long-standing expertise in body electronics, control units, and embedded software. Analog Devices is a semiconductor manufacturer specializing in analog, mixed-signal, and power management integrated circuits.

Modern vehicle architectures are shifting toward zonal and software-defined vehicle (SDV) concepts, increasing demands on power distribution, diagnostics, and functional safety. Traditional mechanical fuses and centralized power nets limit scalability, diagnostics, and weight optimization. The cooperation addresses these challenges by combining system-level automotive electronics expertise with advanced semiconductor design.

Technical Solution and Responsibilities
The iConF solution integrates an all-electronic fuse (eFuse), a dedicated power management integrated circuit, and control software into a configurable unit for intelligent power distribution.

FORVIA HELLA is responsible for the overall iConF system, including electronic fuse assemblies, application software, and integration into vehicle zone controllers. Analog Devices develops the eFuse IC, focusing on circuit architecture, protection functions, and semiconductor reliability.

At system level, iConF enables real-time current monitoring, fault detection, and reversible protection mechanisms. Unlike conventional fuses, the electronic design allows controlled shutdown, reset, and parameterization through software interfaces aligned with modern automotive E/E architectures.

Deployment and Integration
The solution is designed as a core component of zonal controllers developed by FORVIA HELLA. These controllers consolidate electrical and electronic functions within defined vehicle zones, reducing wiring complexity and supporting modular vehicle platforms.

Based on an initial high-volume order from a global premium vehicle manufacturer, iConF is planned for series production starting in 2028. The system integrates into existing digital vehicle infrastructures and supports software updates via over-the-air mechanisms, enabled by the separation of hardware and application logic.

Applications and Use Cases
Primary application areas include passenger vehicles with zonal or centralized E/E architectures, particularly in software-defined vehicle platforms. Use cases include protection and control of safety-relevant loads such as steering, braking support systems, and critical body electronics.

By eliminating mechanical fuses and reducing redundant wiring, iConF can lower wiring harness weight by up to 25 percent, while improving diagnostics, maintainability, and power net stability.

Expected Impact
The cooperation enables a scalable approach to intelligent power distribution, supporting reduced component count, improved functional safety, and software-driven adaptability. These characteristics align with ongoing automotive transitions toward industrial automation–like architectures within digital vehicle infrastructure, without requiring fundamental changes to vehicle hardware layouts.

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