In today’s rapidly evolving automotive industry, Electronic Control Units (ECUs) are at the core of modern vehicles, managing everything from engine performance to infotainment and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). However, as the industry moves towards connected digital ecosystems like Catena-X, the role of ECUs is transforming—from standalone components to key enablers of data exchange and collaboration across the entire automotive value chain.
What is an ECU?
An Electronic Control Unit (ECU) is an embedded computer within a vehicle that manages specific electronic functions, such as engine control, braking systems, power steering, infotainment, and autonomous driving features. Modern vehicles may contain anywhere from 50 to 100 ECUs, each responsible for different aspects of vehicle operation.
Catena-X: A collaborative data ecosystem for the automotive industry
Catena-X is a European dataspace initiative designed to create an open, secure, and standardized platform for data sharing within the automotive ecosystem. By bringing together OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, logistics providers, and regulatory bodies, Catena-X enables seamless collaboration on production, supply chain management, sustainability, and performance optimization. This shared data environment is essential for improving supply chain resilience, regulatory compliance, and the transition to smart mobility solutions.
ECU and Catena-X: A perfect pair for smart, connected vehicles
The integration of ECUs into the Catena-X ecosystem enhances vehicle connectivity and intelligence, offering benefits across multiple domains:
1. Real-time data exchange for predictive maintenance
ECUs constantly collect data on engine health, battery performance, brake wear, and tire pressure. In a Catena-X environment, this data can be shared in real time with manufacturers, service providers, and third-party applications. This enables predictive maintenance, where potential failures are identified before they occur, minimizing vehicle downtime and optimizing fleet operations.
- Use case: A fleet operator transmits ECU data to a maintenance provider, allowing real-time diagnostics and preventive maintenance, reducing unplanned service interruptions.
2. Supporting sustainability through carbon footprint monitoring
Sustainability is a major focus for the industry. ECUs play a critical role in tracking fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions, and energy efficiency. When integrated with Catena-X, this data can be used for carbon footprint analysis, helping manufacturers comply with sustainability regulations such as the EU Green Deal.
- Use case: An OEM collects real-time emissions data from vehicles to monitor compliance and drive sustainability improvements across its fleet.
3. Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates and improvements
With vehicles becoming more connected, remote software updates for ECUs are essential. Through Catena-X, secure and seamless OTA updates can be deployed, reducing the need for physical recalls and ensuring vehicles always run the latest software.
- Use case: A manufacturer pushes software updates to thousands of vehicles, improving safety, performance, and efficiency without requiring in-person service visits.
4. Enabling autonomous driving and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Autonomous driving and ADAS features generate vast amounts of data related to vehicle behaviour and system performance. Catena-X allows ECUs to share this data securely, enabling manufacturers to refine AI algorithms, improve safety, and meet regulatory requirements.
- Use case: ECU data from lane-keeping assist systems is analyzed to enhance vehicle automation and driver safety standards.
5. Supply chain transparency and traceability
ECU-generated data offers valuable insights beyond vehicle performance—it can enhance supply chain transparency. Tracking part usage, wear, and performance ensures better quality control and early detection of potential component issues.
- Use case: An OEM tracks ECU data to trace a specific component's performance, identifying potential defects before they affect vehicle reliability.
How T-Systems' Connect & Integrate supports the ECU use case within Catena-X
To enable seamless ECU data exchange and integration within Catena-X, T-Systems Connect & Integrate provides a robust infrastructure designed for secure, scalable, and efficient collaboration.
1. Seamless integration with vehicle and backend systems
- Facilitates real-time data exchange between ECUs, backend systems, and third-party applications
- Ensures standardized data formats for smooth interoperability within Catena-X
- Supports integration with ERP systems, fleet management platforms, and maintenance software
2. Secure and scalable cloud-based data exchange
- Provides end-to-end encryption and secure API gateways to protect sensitive ECU data
- Enables cloud-agnostic deployment across Open Telekom Cloud, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and T-Systems Sovereign Cloud
- Supports scalable data management, handling high volumes of ECU-generated data efficiently
3. Middleware integration
- Connects ECU-generated data with backend systems (ERP, fleet management, maintenance platforms)
- Enables real-time, automated data exchange for improved efficiency and decision-making
- Eliminates data silos and ensures smooth communication across the automotive ecosystem
4. Compliance and reporting
- Facilitates secure, standardized data exchange for compliance needs
- Supports carbon footprint monitoring and supply chain transparency reporting
- Automates regulatory compliance processes to meet industry and sustainability standards efficiently
5. Easy & quick automated setup within minutes
- Auto-deployment into Catena-X with no technical manual configurations and no IT know-how required
- Quick start into Catena-X applications with Catena-X and IDSA-certified solutions and Gaia-X compliance
- Full support for Catena-X Managed Identity Wallet (MIW) and distributed Digital Twin Registry (dDTR)
- Optional: highly performant, decentralized Digital Twin Registry, powered by Bosch
6. Cloud-agnostic solutions for scalability
To ensure low barrier to entry and scalability, we offer flexible deployment options across all hyperscaler clouds, as well as on-prem deployments. Current supported cloud environments include:
- Open Telekom Cloud (OTC)
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Microsoft Azure
- Google Cloud
- T-systems Sovereign Cloud
- AWS Sovereign Cloud (coming soon)
Image 1. Scalable cloud-agnostic and flexible deployment
7. Easy user interface for no-code users
- Unified ONE Data Governance & Integration Hub for easy data access and usage
- Easy data upload options, including manual upload or automation for data provisioning and consumption
- Simple UI-based policy management tools – ideal for both business and technical users
Image 2. Connect & Integrate application dashboard
Image 3. Policy creation with easy UI in Connect & Integrate
Image 4. ECU data exchange (incoming)
Seamless data integration across systems
T-Systems' Connect & Integrate enables businesses to streamline the integration of various systems within the Catena-X ecosystem, from ERP systems to IoT sensors on production lines.
Further advantages include:
- Automated publishing or downloading of data packages via API to a secure database synchronized with Catena-X
- “Off-the-shelf” backend adapters for efficient and quick integration with existing systems
- Key semantic modelling functionalities, including data mapping, conversion, and synchronization via an intuitive web-based UI
Image 5. Semantic models and conversion for Catena-X in Connect & Integrate
The future of ECUs in Catena-X with T-Systems' Connect & Integrate
As the automotive industry evolves, ECUs are becoming key enablers of smart mobility, predictive analytics, V2V communication, and autonomous driving. With Catena-X as the backbone, ECU integration is transforming vehicles into intelligent, connected systems that drive efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
By leveraging T-Systems' Connect & Integrate, manufacturers and suppliers can seamlessly exchange ECU data, unlocking new opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and performance optimization.
The future of automotive technology is connected and data-driven. Contact us to learn how T-Systems Connect & Integrate can support your ECU data journey within Catena-X.
