·       As a flexible all-in-one solution, iConF enables simplified integration and reliable control of the on-board electrical system in modern vehicle architectures

·       Series production for a global premium car manufacturer is expected to start in 2028

International automotive supplier FORVIA HELLA today announced a strategic development with Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI), a global semiconductor leader, in the field of intelligent power distribution. Both enterprises are working together on the iConF (intelligent Configurable Fuse) solution, a key component of future E/E architectures.

With iConF, FORVIA HELLA and ADI are introducing a groundbreaking innovation that combines an all-electronic fuse (eFuse) with an integrated circuit (IC) and intelligent control software for the first time – setting a new benchmark in the industry. FORVIA HELLA will assume responsibility for iConF technology, including the development of the application software and electronic fuse systems. ADI brings deep technological innovation to the eFuse IC, particularly in the architecture of next generation electronic fuses and the design of the underlying circuits.

Joachim Ziethen, responsible for global business in the field of body electronics at FORVIA HELLA states: "Our highly integrated iConF solution is a milestone in the development of modern vehicle electronics. As part of the cooperation with ADI, we combine FORVIA HELLA's more than 25 years of expertise in the field of body electronics and functional software with ADI’s distinctive semiconductor design and manufacturing expertise. With iConF, we are creating a powerful, forward-looking and highly scalable solution for new E/E architectures that opens up new opportunities for our customers worldwide."

Shalini Palmer, Corporate Vice President of Automotive Sales at ADI adds: "Together with FORVIA HELLA we are setting new standards in the intelligent power distribution for modern SDV platforms. By combining FORVIA HELLA's deep system expertise with ADI’s leading-edge smart power technology, we jointly enable innovative solutions for a holistic vehicle power net.”

Based on an initial high-volume customer order from a global premium car manufacturer, iConF will go into series production in 2028 as a critical component of zone controllers. The zone controllers developed and manufactured by FORVIA HELLA are intelligent, complex control units for new E/E architectures which consolidate various electrical and electronic functions of a vehicle within specific zones.

iConF is a central component in zone controllers. This solution actively monitors and controls the power net, detects faults in real time, and ensures fail-operational reliability so that safety-critical functions such as steering or braking remain reliably available even in the event of a potential malfunction. As eFuses are completely maintenance-free due to their reversible operation and therefore no longer need to be integrated into the vehicle architecture in a freely accessible manner, benefits include weight reduction of the wiring harness of up to twenty-five percent.