NEW DELHI: Auto shows may not be events traditionally associated with chipmakers, but microchip designers are expected to be out in full force at
the upcoming Auto Expo 2010, a testament to growing role of microelectronics in the world of autos.
This year’s event will see the world’s top chipmakers such as Freescale, Infineon, Microchip, National Semiconductors, NXP, Texas Instruments, Tomen and Cadence displaying smartware for cars. There will also be some of the brightest semiconductor designers from around the world talking about the latest technologies.
Computer chips bring in major improvements in three areas — power train, safety systems such as air bags, anti-collision systems and body electronics includes power windows to climate control.
Power train is related to engine control and the efficiency of a car depends on how well it is able to convert electrical energy into mechanical.
Domestic firms such as KPIT Cummins, Tata Elxsi and Wipro will also be present at the event along with the global chipmakers, showcasing new technologies in climate control, cruise control, GPS, power injection, power controllers, high-tech dashboards and in-car sensors.
The new technologies on show will include auto-pilot type of functions, sensors to detect drivers dozing off, car diagnostics, voice and digital controls that make rear- and side-view mirrors redundant, infra-red vision in headlamps to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled car-to-car communications gear.
“Up to 30% of in-car functions rely on computers for accuracy and smart capabilities. In premier international models, it’s over 50%,” said Poornima Shenoy, president of India Semiconductor Association (ISA).
Technology vendor IBM predicts that in a few years practically all cars will have the same mechanical systems. What will make the cars different will be software that operates the systems.
Top of the line car models will soon have more software — at least 100 million lines of code. For record, Microsoft’s latest OS, Win 7 boasts of just about 40 million lines of code.
BMW’s 7 series already has 65 electronic control units and software enables up to 900 functions. The German carmaker spends around $6 billion on R&D while Volkswagen invests over $3 billion on technology related R&D.
In most Volvo cars the number of processors has passed 60. Chip consumption by auto industry in India, growing at a CAGR of 23.1% will be over
$100 million in 2010, says an ISA-Frost & Sullivan report.
“You have heavier yet cleaner, smarter cars today and that’s all because of computer chips that go into cars, controlling practically everything. Actually, the chip industry works several steps ahead of the car makers and we are already designing chips that will go in cars to hit roads in 2020,” said Ganesh Guruswamy, country manager of Freescale Semiconductor.
Freescale is the largest supplier of chips to cars catering to carmakers such as Mercedes Benz, BMW, Rolls Royce and even Tata Nano. In India it has a 1,100 people R&D team in its Noida and Bangalore centres.
“Using computers is one of the most effective ways to pamper customers and let them indulge in a premium and unique driving experience,” said Kurt Rippholz, Volkswagen India group communications head. Volkswagen has computer chips integrated in its Touareg, Passat, Jetta, New Beetle and the forthcoming Polo.
Within the car, climate control is getting revolutionised. Cars come with intelligent zones where passengers can avail of customised temperature. Using clever sensors the aircon jet is able to detect who is feeling too hot and accordingly focus on the passenger.
Wipers are getting equipped with moisture sensors that automatically adjust the speed at which they should sweep the windscreen. Seat belts tensioners have built-in sensors that keep it at an optimum level irrespective of the stature or size of the person using it.
Not surprisingly, next time you go to buy a car along with horse power, boot space and the smart features you will probably be asking how many mega bytes does the model have.
source: ET
