NXP’s Advanced Digital Connected Cluster Transforms the Two-Wheeler Riding Experience

The two-wheel and three-wheel vehicle market is undergoing a technological transformation, driven by the need for greater safety, enhanced rider experiences, electrification, and sustainable, economical urban transportation.

Next-Gen DCC Enables Safer, Smarter and More Connected Two-Wheel Vehicles

The shift from legacy instrument clusters to digital connected clusters (DCCs) has accelerated in recent years to meet the demands of today’s riders in the growing global market for motorcycles, scooters and mopeds, ranging from entry-level to high-end models to electric vehicles (EVs).

As electric motorcycles and scooters gain popularity in a market long dominated by gasoline-powered engines, DCCs have become a must-have feature for two-wheel EVs. Modern DCC designs require robust multicore processing power, advanced graphics capabilities, image processing, AI technology, seamless Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity and a range of safety and infotainment features.

NXP is leading the way in the two-wheeler digital cluster market with ready-to-deploy DCC platforms, proof-of-concept designs, and a comprehensive semiconductor and software portfolio for OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. Earlier this year, NXP launched an entry-level DCC turnkey solution, based on the i.MX RT1170 crossover MCU for mass-market two-wheelers, which has paved the way for further digital cluster innovations.

Recently, NXP has unveiled a next-generation proof-of-concept DCC design based on the i.MX 95 applications processor that elevates two-wheeler clusters to a higher level of sophistication, intelligence, enhanced rider and pedestrian safety, with advanced features and functions you’d expect in modern automotive eCockpits.

Introducing NXP’s Advanced DCC Design for Higher End Two-Wheelers

Powered by NXP’s i.MX 95 processor, NXP’s second-generation Advanced DCC design provides automotive-grade capabilities for digital clusters targeting mid- to high-end two-wheelers. The Advanced DCC complements NXP’s i.MX RT1170-based DCC platform, bringing additional capabilities that raise the bar for the overall user experience and ease of use for the two- and three-wheel market.

The Advanced DCC takes advantage of the i.MX 95 processor’s exceptional performance and integration – up to 6 Arm Cortex-A55 cores for application processing, Arm Cortex-M7 and M33 cores for the real-time, ASIL-B-compliant functional safety domain, an Arm Mali GPU for immersive graphics, NXP’s eIQ® Neutron neural processing unit (NPU) for AI/ML acceleration, 4K vision processing and multi-camera capabilities.

Enriched Vision Use Cases for Two-Wheelers

Multiple cameras, widely deployed in automotive safety systems, are now being adapted for two-wheelers, assisting with rider and pedestrian safety and awareness. The i.MX 95 processor’s Neutron NPU and image signal processing (ISP) capabilities can process front and rearview camera input simultaneously, enabling advanced safety features, such as:

• Forward collision warning (FCW): By continuously analyzing the environment around the vehicle, the system can alert the rider if a collision is imminent.
• High-beam assist: Automatic dipping of headlamp when other road users are detected.
• Helmet detection and driver monitoring system (DMS): Through visual recognition and built in intelligence, the system can detect if the rider is wearing a helmet. This kind of system is typically of interest to fleet operators who wish to track distracted driving and helmet usage to ensure that safety standards are observed.
• Traffic sign and road hazard detection: Cameras can detect and interpret traffic signs in real-time, providing vital information to the rider. Cameras also can provide blind spot detection (BSD) warnings, pothole detection, road condition alerts and lane change assistance (LSA).

These features, when integrated into the DCC, contribute to smarter two-wheelers, enhancing safety without overwhelming the rider with information.

Add Intelligence and Voice Commands

Generative AI (GenAI) is reshaping user interaction in today’s vehicles. In the case of two-wheelers, where hands-free operation is paramount, intelligent, voice-activated systems powered by AI can interpret rider commands to control navigation and infotainment and even communicate with smart helmets.

Neutron NPU-powered i.MX 95 processors can support small language models enabling intuitive user interaction and conversational language interfaces for two-wheelers. Riders can issue voice commands to adjust DCC settings, make voice calls, and get real-time updates on their routes without taking their hands off the handlebars. With its GenAI capabilities, the Advanced DCC could be trained on the two-wheeler owner’s manual, enabling the rider to access critical vehicle operating and maintenance information through simple voice queries, such as “What is the recommended rear wheel tire pressure?” or “Can the current available battery charge safely complete the planned itinerary?”

Create 3D/2D Partitioned Safe Displays with Ease

At the core of the Advanced DCC design are state-of-the-art graphic capabilities with display partitioning, which separates critical functions (such as speed, fuel levels and warning indicators) rendered in 2D on Arm M7 from advanced 3D graphics-based infotainment features (navigation, media and notifications) rendered on Arm A55 cores. This approach alleviates the need for a hypervisor to isolate the display of safety related information from non-safe functions, reducing cost and complexity. Display partitioning ensures that essential information is available almost immediately after the system starts and remains accessible to the rider even if the navigation/media operating system should crash or reset.

Given the limited screen space on two-wheeler DCC designs, this partitioned approach optimizes the user interface, enabling riders to safely scan essential data on the go without distractions. The i.MX 95 processor’s capabilities enhance the two-wheel user experience by allowing Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to be used on two-wheelers by connecting a smartphone to the displays over Wi-Fi. Most of the phone’s apps are projected on the display promoting safety, comfort and ease of use.

The i.MX 95 processor provides functional safety for digital clusters by enabling ISO 26262 ASIL-B compliant automotive-grade design. The processor supports safety-critical functions for two-wheelers such as audible alerts, digital cluster lights and multiple camera displays that meet the high-reliability standards set by automotive OEMs.

Augmenting the i.MX 95 SafeAssure processor, NXP offers customized ASIL-B Automotive Software Components (SAFC) to accelerate product development for customers. Safety checks and isolation are provided on the safe partition and virtual software drivers support remote access to the display controller from the non-safe partition.

Enable Helmet-to-Helmet Communications

With the rise of connected two-wheelers, helmet-to-helmet communications have become a sought-after feature. Using short-range wireless communication protocols like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, this feature enables riders to stay in touch with each other during group rides, enhancing coordination and safety.

Integrated into the Advanced DCC system, helmet communication taps the processing power of the i.MX 95 platform and the dual-band (Wi-Fi 6/6E and Bluetooth 5.3) connectivity of NXP’s AW693 wireless SoC to manage connections. These capabilities also support hands-free calling and Bluetooth audio. NXP’s voice intelligent technology (VIT) and Bluetooth voice recognition activation (BVRA) further simplify voice control for helmet-to-helmet communications.

Similar to the entry level DCC, the Advanced DCC offers a connectivity option for secure two-wheeler location tracking and access, enabling timesaving “find my bike” and key detection capabilities using NXP’s KW45 MCU with Bluetooth Low Energy, CAN and integrated secure enclave.

Implement IMU-Based Fall Detection

A critical safety advancement for two-wheelers is the use of inertial measurement units (IMUs) to detect falls or accidents. IMU sensors measure changes in motion and orientation, triggering emergency alerts if the vehicle experiences an unusual tilt or fall. The Advanced DCC can integrate and process these signals and automatically send alerts to emergency contacts or services in the event of a fall, enhancing the overall safety ecosystem for motorcyclists and scooter riders.

For a better experience, you can download this roadmap.

Get on the Road to Next-Generation DCC

Looking ahead, the two-wheeler digital cluster will continue to evolve as new products are launched by NXP. NXP will continue to enhance its product portfolio to provide the best options to serve the needs of OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers for advanced vision, voice and graphics, GenAI capabilities, connectivity, access and safety features while delivering secure, intuitive and exhilarating two-wheel riding experiences.

NXP’s Advanced DCC, powered by the i.MX 95 processor, provides the scalable performance, features and flexibility to drive this transformation, empowering the manufacturing ecosystem to lead the way in delivering the next generation of two-wheel vehicles.

For more information on NXP’s Advanced DCC proof-of-concept and i.MX 95 processor family and other NXP two-wheeler solutions, contact NXP Sales worldwide.