Infineon’s AURIX RC1 brings RISC-V control and Ethernet switching together

Infineon has introduced AURIX RC1, its first microcontroller platform based on the RISC-V instruction set, with configurations extending to 12 32-bit processing cores and up to 40 MB of embedded memory. The family will include a parallel processing unit for edge AI, while higher-end variants are planned to add 64-bit microprocessor capabilities.^[1]

The platform is intended to cover work now spread across separate vehicle control domains, from body and chassis functions to battery management and safety supervision. Infineon says RC1 combines capabilities associated with its AURIX and TRAVEO T2G families on a common foundation, as vehicle architectures gather more functions into central computers and zone controllers.^[1]

A zone controller collects functions around a physical area of the vehicle, placing local inputs, outputs and network traffic together. RC1’s mix of CAN-XL, 10BASE-T1S and multi-Gigabit Ethernet is intended to serve those different communication needs, while selected devices integrate BRIGHTLANE Ethernet switching. Infineon says that integration can remove a separate switch IC, saving its board space, power and associated supply rail.^[2]

Infineon plans DRIVECORE software bundles covering AUTOSAR and open-source environments, with partner support for compilers, debuggers, operating systems and middleware. The aim is to carry more platform software between devices and applications, reducing the amount rebuilt for each controller in the vehicle.^[1][2]

Development can start on the available RC1 Virtual Prototype, which allows software and architecture work before a physical device is on the bench. First samples are targeted for the first half of 2027, with evaluation boards and application notes following first silicon. For now, the development route is therefore a virtual model and the accompanying documentation, rather than a shipping production MCU.^[1][2]

Infineon is designing RC1 to support safety applications up to ASIL D and cryptographic agility, including provision for post-quantum requirements. Those commitments sit alongside the networking and compute changes, since concentrating more vehicle functions in a device also concentrates the safety and security work around it. The family concept will be shown at electronica on 10–13 November.^[1][2]

Close view of integrated circuits on an electronic assembly. Illustrative photograph. Photo: Tima Miroshnichenko / Pexels. Image source. Reuse terms.