Automotive semiconductors

Technology within the automotive industry has progressed rapidly. The increase in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) technology — such as adaptive cruise control and, more recently, fully autonomous vehicles — has highlighted the influence that artificial intelligence is having on every aspect of society. 

Automotive semiconductors play a crucial role in advancing vehicle autonomy. Discover automotive semiconductors with Micron, or connect with our sales support team to find out more. 

What are automotive semiconductors?

Automotive semiconductor definition: An integrated circuit or chip that helps power automotive functions such as infotainment and navigation. 

ADAS technologies assist drivers through features such as parking sensors, and automotive semiconductors make these technologies possible. These integrated chips also help power engines and control systems, as well as managing other safety features within vehicles. 

How do automotive semiconductors work?

Semiconductors are the backbone of our modern world; they help us use technology, including artificial intelligence, to the fullest.  

They work by processing electrical signals to perform tasks like power management, sensor input processing, and communication between different vehicle systems. For example, semiconductors can push smartphones to new heights, allowing applications to run more efficiently and more quickly than ever before due to smaller transistor sizes that enable faster processing.  

In broader technical applications, a semiconductor is a material that exhibits electrical conductivity between that of a conductor and an insulator, allowing electrons to flow under specific conditions, such as the application of voltage. 

This conductivity can be modulated by doping, which involves adding impurities to the semiconductor to change its electrical properties. This process creates regions with extra electrons (N-type) or holes (P-type), enhancing the material's ability to conduct electricity. Hence, the term "semiconductor" reflects its intermediate conductivity. 

Transistors, the smallest units within these systems, act as switches that turn on and off depending on the voltage applied. These transistors enable complex electronic functions. By rapidly switching on and off, transistors can perform logical operations and process data, forming the foundation of modern computing.  

Automotive semiconductor chips can contain millions to tens of millions of transistors that enable sophisticated vehicle functionalities. Because they can process data from cameras and sensors and quickly provide this information, they are integral to the makeup of many modern vehicles. 

Automotive semiconductors not only enhance driver autonomy, but they also provide valuable assistance on the road. For example, features like camera sensors can address drivers’ limited visibility, improving safety not only for drivers but also for everyone around them. 

What is the history of automotive semiconductors?

The role of semiconductors in the progression of technology cannot be understated. Their influence within the automotive industry has profoundly influenced the possibilities for drivers and passengers, especially in the realm of autonomous vehicles. 

• 1970s, introduction of MOS technology: The inception of MOS technology (metal-oxide semiconductors) dramatically changed how people interacted with their vehicles. Cruise control was introduced to commercial vehicles in the 1970s, and the technology is still used today. Technologies introduced in the 1970s, such as infotainment, relied heavily on MOS technology. 
• 1980s, more complex uses of semiconductors: A decade later and the use of semiconductors within the industry catapulted automotive technology. Anti-lock braking systems (ABS), body control modules (BCM) and blue-green fluorescent readouts all became standard in modern vehicles due to the increased use of automotive semiconductor technology. 
• 1990s, improvement of drivers’ experiences through semiconductors: During the 1990s, the automotive industry found more ways of using automotive semiconductors to improve driver and passenger experiences. Smart keys and electronic fuel injection systems were developed and introduced in vehicles, while the value of semiconductors jumped from $35 per car to $160 per car during the decade.
• 21st century, growing demand: With the gradual introduction of electric vehicles, the demand for automotive semiconductors has grown dramatically. Coupled with modern technologies within autonomous vehicles — such as improved infotainment and the rising use of ADAS in vehicles — automotive semiconductors are of increasing importance to the entire automotive industry. 

What are the key types of automotive semiconductors?

Many types of automotive semiconductors exist, and each plays a crucial role in how vehicles operate today. 

Electronic control units (ECUs) in cars are embedded computers that help control all major systems. These internal systems control various functions using telemetry devices such as sensors and vehicles’ internal software. 

While more commonly found in other types of consumer electrics, microcontrollers (MCUs) are still widely used within the automotive industry. The main responsibility of an MCU is to integrate the CPU within the vehicle to ensure that driver technology is working correctly. These technologies include things like the ABS and various infotainment electronics. 

Sensors collect the data that ECUs and MCUs manage for various functions to work correctly. These sensors use automotive semiconductors to collect the data for various driving assistance systems, including fully autonomous vehicles. 

How are automotive semiconductors used?

Safety and driver assistance technologies have taken great leaps in recent years, due to automotive semiconductors. 

Backup cameras, blind-spot detectors and adaptive cruise control have all become commercially available because of the ever-advancing technology of semiconductors. For example, smaller transistor sizes now enable seamless and device-level integration into ADAS and Infotainment systems. 

Infotainment has also benefited from enhanced automotive semiconductors. For instance, results of automative semiconductor research and development have been integrated into smartphones and touchscreens to make them highly responsive to users’ needs. In the case of vehicles, smaller transistor sizes enable quick responses to drivers’ actions.  

Semiconductors are also used to monitor and control energy output throughout various types of vehicles, including internal combustion engine (ICE)-powered, hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs). 

In ICE vehicles, semiconductors in ECUs optimize fuel injection, air intake and ignition timing, leading to improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. 

In hybrid and electric vehicles, semiconductors power electronics and battery management systems (BMS), which manage the flow of electrical energy between the battery, motor and other components. This integration ensures optimal performance, energy efficiency and battery longevity. 

Overall, semiconductors play a crucial role in optimizing energy use and enhancing energy efficiencies across all vehicle types.