Automobile manufacturers are very sensitive to price, for price reasons, many ECU still based 8-bit microcontrollers. In the past ECU often used to achieve a particular function, thus it needs to use CAN network linking some 8-bit ECU. However, this situation has changed, particularly in the transmission system, currently ECU based on 16-bit microcontrollers. But further improvements, more applications, more standardized interface and more powerful computing power become indispensable condition.

However, ECU number will be reduced, so as to control the complexity of the system. It is expected to simplify the whole system and greatly reduce the number of embedded processors through the use of a higher degree of integration structure and chips with more powerful functions. This will reduce integration costs and increase reliability. That is why the next generation transmission system will use 32-bit microcontrollers with integrated DSP features. It also applies to other vehicles network. In the car body electronics system, ECU has an increasing number of functions, so it needs more than 8-bit chip to provide more computing capacity.

Digital signal processors are used in automotive entertainment in automotive electronics systems. Some in-car entertainment systems are connected to the CAN network to receive the data available in other ECU. Another application of DSP is man-machine interface. For cars, this means the dashboard. In many cars, the dashboard plays the central communications gateway role to all the car networks. Therefore, the processor used on the dashboard usually takes more than one-on-chip CAN module.

The drive system also needs ECU CAN interface with the DSP. So far, the first batch of ECU with high-quality transmission control and security features is DSP-based. Although the price is the key issue, DSP cost is declining. However, not all DSP provide such peripheral device of automotive applications like the CAN. Some of the DSP with integrated CAN module, but most do not have. That is why some chip manufacturers started to integrate the DSP features into the standard 32-bit microprocessor with CAN connectivity.

ECU is more complex, we need more software, and more software, the more in need of memory. Application project is huger, at the last moment the possibility of updating software is bigger, which means there's big need for the non-volatile memory. Especially the electronic stability control and adaptive cruise control need a high-performance memory.

In the future, micro-controllers provide more than one CAN module. 32-bit microcontrollers are used for the implementation of different tasks, and may be connected to the CAN transmission system and other CAN automotive network. These inherent gateway functions get more and more recognition of people. The typical example is the ECU aiming to electronic stability, adaptive cruise and smart lighting control.

In addition, car manufacturers and chip makers have already launched a very close cooperation. With the close cooperation with automotive engineers, people develop many CAN controllers and microcontrollers with on-chip CAN module.