Key Takeaways
- Arrow Electronics has launched a new initiative aimed at supporting next-generation vehicle electrical and electronic architecture.
- The initiative offers engineering expertise and resources to help manufacturers transition to software-defined vehicles.
- Arrow’s research hub provides technical insights and tools for E/E architecture development.
Supporting the Shift to Intelligent Vehicles
Arrow Electronics (NYSE:ARW) has introduced a strategic initiative alongside a research hub to assist automotive manufacturers and tier-1 suppliers in adapting to next-generation vehicle electrical and electronic (E/E) architecture. This shift comes as vehicles increasingly become complex, software-driven platforms, necessitating a change in traditional manufacturing approaches.
The evolution to E/E architecture signifies a transformation from the outdated method of incorporating separate computers for each electronic feature. Instead, it advocates for a centralized system that utilizes powerful computing hubs to manage various functions. This approach not only streamlines operations but also reduces the number of internal wiring by up to 20%, resulting in lighter, more energy-efficient vehicles that can be easily updated throughout their lifecycle via software.
Integrating Expertise and Supply Chain Solutions
Arrow aims to serve as a comprehensive solution aggregator for E/E architecture, connecting the dots between standalone components and fully integrated systems. The company’s design engineering services feature a team of automotive specialists who offer cross-technology support, focusing on areas such as semiconductors and interconnect, passive, and electromechanical components (IP&E).
In addition to hardware integration, Arrow has enhanced its transportation software capabilities, now encompassing expertise in AUTOSAR, functional safety standards, and automotive cybersecurity. This combination of technical knowledge and robust global inventory gives manufacturers the assurance they need through multisourced, traceable components and proactive obsolescence planning.
Enhancing the Automotive Ecosystem
Murdoch Fitzgerald, Chief Growth Officer of Global Services for Arrow’s components business, emphasized the significance of E/E architecture in the automotive industry’s modernization, stating that it facilitates the transition from hardware-centric vehicles to intelligent, software-defined mobility. By leveraging its extensive engineering capabilities and diverse component offerings, Arrow is well-equipped to assist clients in navigating the complexities of this transition, ultimately reducing time-to-market for new platforms that are adaptable to industry changes.
The E/E architecture initiative builds upon Arrow’s 2024 acquisitions of software specialists iQMine and Avelabs, which have fortified the company’s software development centers and its Automotive Center of Excellence.
To aid engineers and procurement leaders in E/E architecture redesign, Arrow has launched a dedicated research hub. This online platform provides valuable technical insights, whitepapers, and design tools specifically tailored for developing E/E architectures. Detailed resources can be accessed at the Arrow E/E Architecture research hub.
Arrow Electronics specializes in sourcing and engineering technology solutions, with reported sales of $31 billion in 2025, providing technology across various industries. For more information, visit arrow.com.
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