Arrow Electronics has launched a strategic initiative and dedicated research hub to support the development of next-generation vehicle electrical and electronic (E/E) architecture. The initiative is aimed at automotive manufacturers and tier-1 suppliers as the industry accelerates its transition toward software-defined vehicles.
As modern vehicles evolve into connected, intelligent platforms, electronic complexity continues to rise. Features such as advanced driver assistance systems, connectivity, infotainment, and electrification are placing increasing demands on in-vehicle electronics. The long-standing approach of adding a separate electronic control unit for every new function is no longer sustainable, both from a cost and complexity standpoint.
Next-generation E/E architecture represents a fundamental redesign of a vehicle’s electronic “nervous system.” Instead of relying on hundreds of distributed control units, centralized computing hubs manage multiple functions across the vehicle. This shift streamlines system integration, improves coordination between vehicle domains, and can reduce internal wiring by up to 20 percent. Fewer cables contribute to lighter vehicles, improved energy efficiency, and simpler manufacturing. Centralized systems also enable software updates throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle, supporting continuous feature upgrades and cybersecurity improvements.
Arrow is positioning itself as a central solution aggregator in this transformation. The company combines design engineering services with deep component expertise across semiconductors and interconnect, passive, and electromechanical components. Dedicated automotive engineering teams provide cross-technology support, helping customers move from individual components to integrated system-level designs.
Supply chain stability is another focus of the initiative. Arrow’s global inventory, multisourcing strategies, and component traceability are designed to reduce risk during long automotive development cycles. The company also offers proactive obsolescence planning to ensure component availability over extended production timelines.
Software capabilities play a growing role in E/E architecture. Arrow has expanded its transportation software expertise in recent years, including AUTOSAR development, functional safety compliance, and automotive cybersecurity. These capabilities are increasingly critical as vehicles adopt centralized computing and software-defined functionality.
“E/E architecture is the cornerstone of the modern automotive revolution,” said Murdoch Fitzgerald, chief growth officer of global services for Arrow’s global components business. He noted that Arrow’s combination of engineering, software, and supply chain expertise is intended to help customers manage complexity and reduce time-to-market.
The initiative builds on Arrow’s 2024 acquisitions of iQMine and Avelabs, both specialists in automotive software engineering. These additions strengthened Arrow’s Automotive Center of Excellence and expanded its global software development footprint.
To support engineers and procurement teams, Arrow has also launched a dedicated online research hub. The platform provides technical insights, design tools, and whitepapers focused on E/E architecture development, reinforcing Arrow’s role in the shift toward software-defined mobility.
