FROM DISTRIBUTED VEHICLE TO SOFTWARE-DEFINED VEHICLE

  At the Electronic Architectures Division of Pantherviews Technologies

We specialize in the design and integration of centralized and zonal vehicle architectures, tailored to the new generation of software-defined vehicles (SDV).

From passenger cars and commercial vehicles to industrial platforms and next-generation EVs, our electronic architectures are engineered to reduce complexity, optimize costs, and enable real-time communication and advanced features across the entire vehicle.

The Challenge

 Modern vehicles rely on more than 100 distributed ECUs, creating excessive complexity, high costs, heavy wiring, and limited scalability. This approach makes software updates difficult and slows down innovation. The industry is rapidly transitioning towards centralized high-performance computing (HPC) and zonal gateways, reshaping the entire vehicle architecture. 

Our Solution

 We design and integrate future-ready centralized architectures, moving from distributed ECUs to domain-based and HPC-controlled systems. Our expertise covers: 

Conceptual Design 

• Definition of topologies for centralized and zonal architectures.
• Consolidation of functions into HPC and domain controllers  under a server–client model, where the central High Performance Computer acts as the server and zonal units, sensors, and actuators function as distributed clients. 
• Vehicle-wide communication strategy (CAN FD, Automotive Ethernet, LIN, FlexRay)

 Integration 

• Selection and configuration of zonal gateways and high-performance computers.
• Implementation of safety and redundancy requirements (ISO 26262, AUTOSAR).
• Embedded software integration for real-time communication and diagnostics.

 Validation 

• Virtual simulations and modeling of electronic loads and data flows.
• Functional safety analysis and cybersecurity testing.
• Compliance with UNECE, ISO, and global automotive standards.

Key  Benefits 

 By adopting centralized electronic architectures, OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers can achieve: 

•  Reduced hardware complexity through ECU consolidation. 
•  Lower costs and weight thanks to optimized wiring and components. 
•  Scalability and flexibility, enabling over-the-air updates and new feature deployment. 
•  Enhanced safety and cybersecurity, protecting vehicle communication networks. 
•  Future-readiness, supporting ADAS, autonomous driving, and full electrification. 

At Pantherviews Technologies, we believe that the future of mobility will be defined not only by technological breakthroughs, but also by a holistic approach to safety, sustainability, and long-term efficiency.

Every electronic architecture we design pursues a dual mission: empowering vehicles with higher intelligence and connectivity, while reducing complexity and environmental impact. We apply advanced design methodologies that simplify hardware, extend system reliability, and minimize the use of redundant components and materials.

Our focus is on creating scalable, software-defined architectures that evolve with the vehicle, enabling continuous feature updates, improving energy efficiency, and reducing electronic waste.
By consolidating control units into centralized HPC platforms and zonal gateways, we help manufacturers achieve a more sustainable balance between performance, cost, and ecological footprint.

Built on a server–client paradigm, where the central HPC operates as the server and zonal units, sensors, and actuators act as distributed clients, these architectures enable greater scalability, seamless software integration, and future-proof flexibility.

In addition, we support our clients throughout the entire lifecycle of their platforms: from conceptual definition and system integration, through validation and compliance, to upgrade strategies that keep vehicles future-ready.

At Pantherviews, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all architectures:
we create customized electronic systems tailored to each project and vision, driving a model of innovation that is smarter, cleaner, and aligned with the future of software-defined mobility..