How to Build Scalable Embedded Control Architectures for Electric Vehicles Using Raptor RCM112

Designing scalable embedded control architectures for electric vehicles (EVs) is fundamental to succeeding in a market that is advancing rapidly. As electric propulsion, distributed energy management, and increasing autonomy become the standard, the demand for flexible, robust, and safety-centric control solutions grows every day. At EMB Power, we are committed to helping UK automotive and machine OEMs meet these challenges head-on through our exclusive focus on the New Eagle Raptor product line. In this blog, we will explore best practices for building scalable control systems, focusing on the innovative capabilities of the Raptor Control Module RCM112 and the Raptor development ecosystem.

Why Scalability Matters in Modern EV Control Systems

The complexity of electric vehicles extends far beyond simple battery or motor control. Next-generation EVs require advanced network connectivity, stringent functional safety compliance, and future-proofing for emerging demands like vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication and cybersecurity. A scalable control architecture provides the flexibility to adapt as project requirements evolve—whether adding drive-by-wire capabilities, extending battery management systems (BMS), or layering on new diagnostics and calibration features.

Introducing the Raptor RCM112: Next-Generation EV Control

The Raptor RCM112 stands apart as a versatile, production-capable electronic control unit (ECU) designed specifically to address these challenges. Built to empower advanced automotive applications, it combines a rich set of I/Os, contemporary communications interfaces, and support for rigorous industry safety and security standards.

• Exceptional Connectivity: 5x CAN FD buses (including wake-on-CAN capability), 2x LIN master/slave interfaces, and 2-wire automotive Ethernet.
• Rich I/O Portfolio: 23+ configurable I/Os, including four SENT sensor channels, multiple half-bridge drivers, and robust analogue/frequency input support.
• Advanced SoC: Multi-core application processor with ASIL-D lockstep safety, ECC-protected RAM, and hardware-accelerated message processing.
• Safety and Security: Designed for ISO 26262 ASIL-D applications with built-in cybersecurity primitives for message whitelisting and secure firmware updates.

Step 1: System Architecture for Scalability

The first step in developing a scalable embedded control system is to design a system architecture that is modular and future-proof.

• Modular Network Topology: Use the RCM112’s multiple CAN FD and LIN buses to create distinct domains for propulsion, high-voltage (HV) battery management, chassis control, and body electronics. This segmentation allows new features or sub-systems to be added with minimal rework.
• Expandable Sensor Integration: The variety of RCM112 I/Os—including SENT, analogue, and frequency inputs—enables you to scale sensor deployments, whether you’re monitoring cell voltages in a BMS or supporting advanced traction control systems.
• Distributed Processing: With multiple buses and robust multicore processing, you can distribute safety and control functions efficiently, reducing bottlenecks as your EV programme grows.

Tip:

Clearly document your bus, node, and subsystem allocation early in your project, ideally using model-based design best practices in MATLAB/Simulink (as enabled by Raptor-Dev), which translates directly into scalable code for your RCM112 modules.

Step 2: Efficient Communications – Leveraging CAN FD and LIN

Communication backbone selection is crucial for scaling EV architectures. The RCM112 provides extensive support for contemporary automotive protocols:

• CAN FD: Each of the five CAN FD buses on the RCM112 supports flexible data rates and higher message payloads, making it ideal for bandwidth-hungry applications such as rapid diagnostics, battery telemetry, and powertrain control.
• LIN: With two LIN master/slave interfaces, you can manage low-speed, cost-efficient networks for body modules, sensors, or diagnostics with sleep/wake-up capabilities built-in.
• Ethernet: The presence of automotive Ethernet in the RCM112 opens a path to high-speed, future-ready connectivity for datalogging or advanced diagnostics.

Optimising Network Performance

• Apply message whitelisting and ID filtering at the hardware level for cybersecurity, reducing risks of unauthorised commands on the vehicle bus.
• Designate one or more CAN buses for critical control (e.g., propulsion) and others for less timing-critical data (e.g., HVAC or infotainment), using RCM112’s ability to route and manage high-priority messages efficiently.

Step 3: Model-Based Development with Raptor-Dev

One of the biggest advantages of the Raptor ecosystem is its seamless integration with MATLAB/Simulink through Raptor-Dev. This allows rapid, model-based development and automatic code generation, eliminating the tedious manual coding found in many traditional systems.

• Drag & Drop Blocks: Utilise Raptor’s library of configurable blocks for I/O, communication, and logic to quickly assemble custom software architectures tailored for the RCM112.
• Native Support for Multiple Protocols: Incorporate blocks for CAN, LIN, SENT, and analogue I/O directly in your system diagram without external dependencies.
• Automated Testing: Validate safety functions and failure modes in a simulated environment using Raptor-Test, reducing test-bench time and accelerating development cycles.

Step 4: Building in Functional Safety & Security

With the automotive industry’s focus on functional safety—especially in EVs—the RCM112’s ASIL-D features are critical. Here is how you can take full advantage:

• Dual-Core Lockstep Processing: Execute safety-relevant software components on independent cores that automatically check each other, minimising the risk of dangerous faults.
• Redundant Power and Monitoring: The module’s support for independent monitoring and hardware power management ensures that critical control always has the necessary resources—even in degraded conditions.
• ECU Security: Take advantage of secure boot, encrypted firmware updates, and hardware-accelerated message filtering to defend your EV against cyber threats.

Step 5: Hardware Verification and System Integration

Scalability not only refers to software, but also to how easily hardware platforms can be tested, validated, and integrated. The RCM112 is engineered for just this purpose:

• Pre-validated sample applications: Build confidence using production-proven software examples included with Raptor-Dev and adapt them for your specific EV subsystem.
• Breakout harnesses and connector kits: Speed up bench testing with ready-made accessories, such as the Raptor programming harness for ECM196/GCM196 or pigtail harnesses for RCM80, available on our webstore.

Example: Modular Battery Management with RCM112

Let’s consider a practical breakdown for deploying RCM112 as the backbone of an expanding EV battery management system:

• BMS Cell Supervision: Configure applicable analogue and SENT channels for real-time voltage and temperature data acquisition.
• Thermal System Control: Use high-side/half-bridge drivers to manage battery coolant pumps and fans—expand hardware resources as battery/powertrain complexity increases.
• Over-the-Air Diagnostics: Employ the module’s CAN FD and Ethernet interfaces to allow for remote BMS health checks or firmware updates.

Best Practices for Maintaining Scalability

• Design with future vehicle derivatives in mind—choose electronic architectures that can be repurposed or extended without a complete redesign.
• Utilise the RCM112’s I/O configurability to allow reassignment as project needs shift, whether as inputs, outputs, or communication lines.
• Maintain rigorous software versioning and traceability with Raptor-Dev, making compliance with standards like ISO 26262 achievable even as requirements grow.
• Take advantage of automated continuous integration and testing with Raptor-Test to catch scalability bottlenecks early.

Conclusion: Harness the Power of Raptor RCM112 for Your EV Platform

Building scalable embedded control architectures for electric vehicles demands a platform that grows with your ambitions—not just during product development, but throughout the full lifecycle, from concept to production. By integrating the Raptor RCM112 alongside Raptor-Dev and accompanying accessories, you can confidently deliver systems that meet functional safety, cybersecurity, and future network demands.

At EMB Power, our engineering team supports UK customers from requirements capture through to production implementation. Whether you are upgrading your EV fleet, developing a new battery module, or deploying autonomous features—get in touch or explore our Raptor range to get started:

Learn more about the Raptor Control Module RCM112