Experts share | 7 ways semiconductor technology will accelerate the future development of automotive technology

On the first day of the TI Tech Exchange held at the end of September , Keith Ogboenyiya, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Marketing, delivered an opening keynote speech on cutting-edge technologies in the automotive industry. This article excerpts his views and insights, exploring how semiconductor technology can help automakers optimize performance, speed up development, and provide more cost-effective electric vehicles to more people as the world vigorously develops automotive electrification.

As the world moves toward an all-electric future, the automotive industry is changing at an ever-faster pace. Carmakers are making bold claims that the cars of 2030 will look very different than the ones in showrooms today. It’s only a matter of time before carmakers phase out the internal combustion engine . Cars are here to stay. So, what will it look like?

Like many of you, I want to buy an electric car. Today, we have the opportunity to view a wide variety of online reviews and reports, and we can continue to research to find the best car for us. The list is long, and I want my new car to have advanced technology, as well as be affordable, safe, reliable, and comfortable to drive. Here are some of the features I need:

• Faster charging and longer range

• High performance and safe road handling

• Real-time vehicle diagnostics Configurable to your needs and preferences with diagnostic results presented safely in the field of view

• Seamless access to content on all my devices

• Excellent audio and video performance for a great listening experience and a pleasant user experience

• Personalized in-car experience , including seat functions, lighting options and climate control, all at your fingertips in a flexible and innovative control center

• Advanced safety features , like blind spot monitoring and front radar, help avoid accidents and protect me and my passengers

Imagine having the flexibility to design wireless high-voltage battery management systems that eliminate bulky wires while extending driving range, improving performance, and increasing overall maintenance? Our portfolio of proprietary wireless protocols and integrated circuits (ICs), including real-time connectivity , enables automakers to achieve this goal.

The trend towards higher voltage and more efficient on-board chargers in electric vehicles also requires complex power topologies and real-time digital control solutions. Our portfolio of real-time microcontrollers works seamlessly with isolated gate drivers and fully integrated GaN power devices to enable fast and efficient charging of electric vehicles .

Traction inverter systems are critical to achieving outstanding performance. These systems require high computational performance and control capabilities , which can be provided by our embedded processing chips , in conjunction with dynamic output current control capabilities , which can be provided by our isolated gate driver product line . This allows you to maintain ideal motor torque while improving overall system efficiency .

With our DLP® technology, automotive-qualified processors and wireless connectivity devices , automakers can enhance and customize displays, connectivity and multiple personalization options throughout the vehicle . Our FPD-link serializers and deserializers transmit uncompressed video data within automotive systems, enabling the deployment of higher-resolution cameras for adaptive driver assistance systems and displays . In addition, our automotive Ethernet product line increases networking speeds, and our automotive speaker amplifier product line provides multi-channel Class D audio performance.

To achieve the vision of a collision-free driving experience , automakers are continually working to create a safer driving experience and lay the foundation for increased automotive automation. Our cars are beginning to act like drivers, such as detecting conditions inside and outside the car, transmitting that data to the rest of the vehicle, and making decisions. Our automotive-qualified IC portfolio, including high-precision radar SoCs, powerful processors, and reliable power management products, helps you build high-performance ADAS.

Functional safety standards have changed the way the industry thinks about existing automotive system designs, improving the driving experience through enhanced safety features, reliability, and performance . Functional safety is a critical part of almost all automotive systems, from wireless battery management systems to integrated powertrains. Our comprehensive portfolio of automotive-qualified ICs and associated functional safety documentation help engineers achieve the automotive safety integrity level required for their systems, providing a safer driving experience.

As we all know, the automotive industry is evolving rapidly, and what is cutting-edge today may be obsolete tomorrow. Semiconductor technology helps automakers create the cars of the future by removing barriers, reducing costs and complexity, and meeting safety requirements. Together, we can drive automotive innovation and achieve the goals on this list, delivering a safe, superior, and ideal driving experience.

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