In modern cars, drivers are no longer alone. Complex electronic systems such as driver assistance or ABS support them and intervene in steering if necessary. In the development of electronic safety systems, IP cores – finished development units – are used to control the data processes. The IP designs, which function like circuit schematics, must meet high safety standards.

In order to guarantee the functionality, safety, and reliability of the systems, the ISO-26262 certification was established in 2011. It specifies the safety requirements for electronic systems to the special demands of the automotive sector, so that hardware failures can be prevented and brought under control. Fraunhofer IPMS has now had the CAN controller IP cores CAN FD and CAN 2.0B, developed in-house, certified according to this ISO standard for the ASIL B level. System engineers can now use IP cores with the confidence that they can be used in safety applications in compliance with ASIL A and ASIL B systems. The system can be flexibly implemented in individual ECUs or circuits (system-on-chip, FPGA) through the 32-bit controller interface (8-bit and 16-bit, as well as AMBA APB and AHB as options), fully synchronous description, and modern clock domain crossing.

This makes Fraunhofer IPMS the first institute worldwide to have developed a CAN 2.0b or CAN FD IP design certified according to this standard. The design was one of the first CAN IP cores on the market and has already been integrated into numerous ASIC and FPGA designs. More than 100 customers are already putting the IP design to successful use.