ST's Vision for Future Automotive Electronics
| Creating a Better Future: ST's Vision for the Automotive Industry |
| At Electronica, one of the world's leading trade fairs for electronic components, STMicroelectronics (ST) showcased its vision for creating a better future in the automotive industry. Mark Britton from Future Electronics sat down with Gerard Cronen, a representative from ST, to discuss the company's innovative solutions and how they are addressing real-world problems faced by car manufacturers. |
| State-of-the-Art Automotive Technology |
| The starting point for this conversation was a stunning display of an Audi Q6 e-tron EV. This state-of-the-art vehicle represents the current pinnacle of automotive technology, featuring over three and a half kilometers of cabling, 1,500 separate cables, 60 kilograms of weight, and 400 connectors. However, as impressive as it is, this setup also highlights the complexity and challenges that come with connecting numerous electronic units, sensors, actuators, and other components. |
| Domain and Zonal Architecture: A New Paradigm |
| To overcome these challenges and create a more efficient and manageable system, ST is advocating for the adoption of domain and zonal architectures. This approach involves grouping functions into specific zones or areas within the vehicle and controlling them with a single, powerful microcontroller (MCU). By doing so, car manufacturers can reduce cabling, simplify software management, and improve overall performance. |
| ST's Vision for the Future |
| As Gerard Cronen explained, this is not just a hypothetical concept. ST has already developed products that enable zonal architecture, such as powerful MCUs that can replace multiple electronic control units (ECUs). Additionally, advanced over-the-air updates will play a crucial role in enabling vehicles to evolve and improve throughout their lifetime, much like smartphones. |
| Power Distribution: A Key Area for Innovation |
| Another area where ST sees significant potential for improvement is power distribution. Traditional fuses will be replaced by smart, configurable electronic fuses that provide monitoring data and diagnostic insights. This innovation will not only reduce cabling but also make the power distribution system safer and more secure. |
| Comprehensive Ecosystem for Engineers |
| To support engineers in their adoption of these new technologies, ST offers a comprehensive ecosystem of reference boards, software systems, and distribution partners. This enables customers to access the necessary tools and information to successfully integrate ST's products into their designs. |
| Electric Vehicles |
| Background |
The concept of electric vehicles (EVs) dates back to the early 19th century, with the first electric carriage being invented in 1837 by Robert Anderson. However, it wasn't until the late 1990s that EVs started gaining popularity as a viable alternative to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. |
| Definition |
An electric vehicle is a type of vehicle that uses one or more electric motors powered by a battery, which can be charged from an external power source. EVs are considered a sustainable and environmentally friendly option as they produce zero tailpipe emissions. |
| Types of Electric Vehicles |
- Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV): Powered solely by a battery, with no internal combustion engine.
- Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV): Combines an electric motor with an internal combustion engine.
- Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): A hybrid vehicle that can be charged from an external power source.
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| Key Components |
- Battery: Stores electrical energy to power the vehicle.
- Electric Motor: Converts electrical energy into mechanical energy to propel the vehicle.
- Power Electronics Controller (PEC): Manages the flow of energy between the battery, motor, and other components.
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| ST's Vision for Future Automotive Electronics |
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The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation with the advent of autonomous vehicles, electrification, and connectivity. As a leading supplier of automotive electronics, STMicroelectronics (ST) has a clear vision for the future of automotive electronics.
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| Key Trends and Challenges |
- Autonomous vehicles: ST is developing sensors, processing systems, and software to enable Level 3-5 autonomy.
- Electrification: ST's power electronics solutions are supporting the transition to electric vehicles.
- Connectivity: ST's wireless connectivity solutions (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) are enabling vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication.
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The increasing complexity of automotive systems poses significant challenges, including:
- Ensuring functional safety and cybersecurity
- Managing the growing amount of data generated by vehicles
- Meeting stringent reliability and quality requirements
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| ST's Solutions and Technologies |
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ST offers a wide range of solutions and technologies to address the challenges and trends in automotive electronics, including:
- Sensors (e.g., cameras, lidars, radars) for autonomous vehicles
- Microcontrollers and processing systems for vehicle control and safety
- Power electronics solutions (e.g., DC-DC converters, motor drivers) for electrification
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ST's technologies are designed to meet the stringent requirements of the automotive industry, including:
- AEC-Q100 qualification for reliability and quality
- ISO 26262 certification for functional safety
- Cybersecurity measures (e.g., secure boot, encryption) to protect against hacking
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| Conclusion |
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STMicroelectronics has a clear vision for the future of automotive electronics, with a focus on autonomous vehicles, electrification, and connectivity. Our solutions and technologies are designed to address the challenges and trends in the industry, while meeting the stringent requirements for reliability, quality, safety, and security.
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| Q1: What is ST's vision for future automotive electronics? |
ST envisions a future where automotive electronics play a crucial role in making vehicles safer, more efficient, and connected. Our goal is to be at the forefront of this transformation, providing innovative solutions that enable the development of autonomous, electrified, and connected cars. |
| Q2: How does ST see the evolution of automotive electronics impacting the industry? |
The increasing complexity of automotive electronics will drive the need for more advanced semiconductor solutions. This will lead to a shift towards more software-defined vehicles, enabling greater flexibility and innovation in areas like autonomous driving and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication. |
| Q3: What role does ST see itself playing in the development of autonomous vehicles? |
ST is committed to providing a comprehensive portfolio of semiconductor solutions that address the key challenges of autonomous driving, including sensing, processing, and communication. Our goal is to enable vehicle manufacturers to develop safer, more efficient, and more reliable autonomous systems. |
| Q4: How will ST's automotive electronics solutions support the growth of electrification in vehicles? |
ST's solutions will focus on improving the efficiency, reliability, and performance of electric vehicle (EV) systems. This includes advanced power management, battery management, and motor control solutions that enable faster charging, longer driving ranges, and reduced energy consumption. |
| Q5: What is ST's strategy for addressing the growing demand for connected cars? |
ST will provide a range of semiconductor solutions that support vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, including cellular and satellite connectivity. Our goal is to enable seamless integration with the Internet of Things (IoT), facilitating new use cases like smart traffic management and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) services. |
| Q6: How will ST ensure the security of its automotive electronics solutions? |
ST is committed to developing secure-by-design semiconductor solutions that meet the stringent requirements of the automotive industry. This includes implementing robust security protocols, encryption, and secure software updates to protect against cyber threats. |
| Q7: What role will artificial intelligence (AI) play in ST's automotive electronics vision? |
Ai will be a key enabler of ST's automotive electronics solutions, particularly in areas like autonomous driving and predictive maintenance. Our goal is to develop AI-powered semiconductor solutions that enable vehicles to learn from their environment and make intelligent decisions. |
| Q8: How will ST address the growing need for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS)? |
ST will provide a comprehensive portfolio of ADAS solutions, including cameras, radar, and lidar sensors. Our goal is to enable vehicle manufacturers to develop more advanced safety features like lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. |
| Q9: What opportunities does ST see in the emerging market for mobility-as-a-service (MaaS)? |
ST sees significant opportunities in MaaS, particularly in areas like fleet management and vehicle sharing. Our goal is to provide semiconductor solutions that enable the development of more efficient, connected, and autonomous MaaS platforms. |
| Q10: How will ST collaborate with other industry players to drive innovation in automotive electronics? |
ST will continue to collaborate closely with vehicle manufacturers, tier-one suppliers, and technology partners to drive innovation in areas like autonomous driving, electrification, and connectivity. Our goal is to foster a more open and collaborative ecosystem that accelerates the development of new mobility solutions. |
| Rank |
Pioneers/Companies |
Contribution |
| 1 |
Tesla, Inc. |
Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, over-the-air software updates |
| 2 |
STMicroelectronics |
Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), autonomous driving platforms, and vehicle electrification solutions |
| 3 |
NVIDIA Corporation |
Artificial intelligence computing hardware and software for ADAS and autonomous vehicles |
| 4 |
Mobileye |
Computer vision and machine learning-based ADAS, mapping, and sensor fusion technology |
| 5 |
Waymo LLC |
Pioneering autonomous driving technology, sensors, and software for commercial applications |
| 6 |
Infineon Technologies AG |
Automotive semiconductor solutions for ADAS, powertrain, and vehicle networking |
| 7 |
Qualcomm Incorporated |
Automotive-grade processors, modems, and connectivity solutions for connected vehicles |
| 8 |
Continental AG |
Advanced driver-assistance systems, vehicle networking, and sensor technology |
| 9 |
Bosch Group |
ADAS, autonomous driving solutions, and innovative sensor technologies |
| 10 |
ZF Friedrichshafen AG |
Autonomous driving systems, vehicle electrification, and advanced driver-assistance solutions |
| Domain |
Description |
Key Technologies |
Technical Details |
| Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) |
ST's vision for ADAS focuses on creating a safer and more comfortable driving experience through advanced sensor fusion, machine learning, and computer vision. |
Sensor Fusion, Machine Learning, Computer Vision |
- Implementation of sensor fusion algorithms to combine data from cameras, radar, lidar, and ultrasonic sensors
- Utilization of machine learning techniques for object detection, tracking, and prediction
- Leveraging computer vision for image processing, feature extraction, and scene understanding
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| Autonomous Driving |
ST aims to enable Level 4 and Level 5 autonomous driving through the development of high-performance computing platforms, advanced sensor systems, and robust software frameworks. |
High-Performance Computing, Advanced Sensor Systems, Software Frameworks |
- Development of high-performance computing platforms using CPUs, GPUs, and FPGAs
- Implementation of advanced sensor systems including lidar, radar, and cameras
- Creation of software frameworks for sensor fusion, mapping, and motion planning
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| Vehicle Electrification |
ST's vision for vehicle electrification focuses on enabling the transition to electric vehicles through advanced power electronics, battery management systems, and energy harvesting. |
Power Electronics, Battery Management Systems, Energy Harvesting |
- Development of high-power electronic components including IGBTs, MOSFETs, and SiC devices
- Implementation of advanced battery management systems for optimized charging and discharging
- Leveraging energy harvesting technologies to increase vehicle efficiency and range
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| Connectivity and Cybersecurity |
ST aims to enable secure and reliable connectivity in vehicles through the development of advanced networking protocols, encryption methods, and intrusion detection systems. |
Networking Protocols, Encryption Methods, Intrusion Detection Systems |
- Implementation of advanced networking protocols including Ethernet, CAN, and LIN
- Utilization of encryption methods such as AES, RSA, and Elliptic Curve Cryptography
- Leveraging intrusion detection systems to detect and prevent cyber threats
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| Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning |
ST's vision for AI and ML in automotive focuses on enabling advanced driver assistance systems, autonomous driving, and predictive maintenance through the development of specialized hardware and software frameworks. |
Specialized Hardware, Software Frameworks |
- Development of specialized hardware including neural network processors and AI accelerators
- Implementation of software frameworks for machine learning model development and deployment
- Leveraging transfer learning and domain adaptation techniques for improved performance
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