Everything You Need to Know About Automotive Chips

Image source Motor Tred

Automotive chips are basically computer systems that control every aspect and component of a vehicle. They are integrated circuits that comprise of an array of electric components designed to perform different tasks in vehicles.

We call these chips computers because they have processing, power, and memory units. You will find these components on any computer.

Now step back and think about the functions of a computer then try to relate it when installed in a vehicle. You will discover that a chip has many functions in the automotive setup.

Are you in the business of building and assembling vehicles? You should get as much information as possible about automotive chips.

What if you are in the supply chain of the automotive industry? Let’s say you sell critical components that are used in vehicles. In this business, you usually buy automotive chips in wholesale for resale. You should also have adequate information about these computers.

In this guide, we are going to break down everything you should know about computer chips for cars.

We will also give you sure tips that you can use when it comes to buying the best automotive chips and microchips.

Functions of automotive chips

Why do vehicles have chips? You may ask. To give you the right answer, we will have to break down the key functions of automotive chips. They include the following:

Control the operations of an engine

An engine is considered the heart of a vehicle. It should function in an organized and systematic manner for you to get the best driving experience. All this is possible because of a specialized microchip.

Chips are designed to control various aspects of a car’s engine including ignition (when you are starting the engine), and fuel management.

There are special chips that even control engine emissions. This feature is mostly found on modern vehicles as they are required to meet specific emission standards.

How do chips control the operation of engines?

All this is possible because of the sensors. They collect data about the state and operation of the engine and then send it to the chip. The microcontroller will then be able to execute the required task as expected from the engine.

Managing a vehicle’s transmission system

As the engine generates the required red power and force to move the vehicle, the transmission system is responsible for translating the energy and actions of the engine into the desired results.

The activities of a car’s transmission are managed and controlled by the automotive chips.

The chip will manage a selection of gears, torque management, shift points, and gear engagement among other functions.

A smooth response of a vehicle’s transmission system is mainly because of the data that the chip processes.

Also, the chip will send an alert in case of a problem in the transmission system. This will help you to react accordingly.

Power management

Power in this case we are referring to the electric energy that is used to control various aspects of the vehicle.

Ever wondered how the electronic components of a vehicle are able to operate smoothly and efficiently? All is because of the microcontroller.

The chip performs functions such as power distribution from the battery, charging of the battery, battery health, management, lighting, car auto lock, and window opening, and closing among others.

You will always receive an alert on the dashboard in case of a problem in the vehicle’s power system.

Driver assistance features

This is another major function of automotive chips. Most modern vehicles are packed with an array of driver assistance features that improve the whole driving experience.

Example of features that are packed in such systems includes autonomous driving, blind spot monitor system, lane departure warning, parking sensors, and Intersection assistants among many others.

We should also recognize the safety aspect that we get from these assistance features. In line with this, we can confidently state that another function of automotive chips is to keep the vehicle safe on the road.

All these features are able to function well because of the microcontrollers. It collects data from sensors installed on various parts of the vehicle and triggers an array of actions.

Infotainment and climate control systems

When we mention infotainment in relation to vehicles, the first thing that comes into our mind is the audio and visual entertainment systems that are installed in the vehicle. Since a chip is basically a computer, it is responsible for managing the whole infotainment system. Think of the music and videos that you are able to play in the car. Microcontrollers are responsible for managing infotainment components such as audio player, video player, Bluetooth connection, GPS navigator, SATNAV system, and memory system among others.

What about the climate control system? Well, this is also the key function of a microcontroller. It manages and controls the temperature and environment inside the vehicle. The AC unit of a vehicle is able to execute its task mainly because of the data that a chip collects. It then allows you to adjust the condition inside the vehicle based on the collected data.

In overall, automotive chips perform various functions that make it possible and convenient to drive a vehicle. The more chips a vehicle has the better the driving experience you will get. In fact, car manufacturers are striving to outdo each other in terms of the chips that they embed in their vehicles.

Types of Automotive Chips

Image source Semiconductor Engineering

After discussing the different functions of automotive chips, it is clear that each ship is specialized to perform a specific role in a vehicle. This also means that they are not all the same.

Let’s look at the different types of semiconductor chips for vehicles.

Microcontrollers

Well, this is ranked as the most common type of chip used in cars. Its popularity is based on the fact that they are quite versatile. A single microcontroller is capable of executing numerous functions in a vehicle’s system.

Microcontrollers are basically small computers that perform different functions such as transmission management, engine management, and even power management.

You are likely to find a microcontroller on different components of a vehicle thanks to their high levels of flexibility.

Power management chips

As the name suggests, these are specifically designed to perform power-related functions in a vehicle.

They manage the generation, distribution, and storage of electric energy in a vehicle.

Concerning power generation, the chips ensure that the battery gets charged in the right way and gets sufficient power. They also monitor the health of the car’s battery to ensure that it is capable of storing sufficient energy that will be used by the vehicle.

When it comes to distribution, power management chips ensure that electric energy is distributed to all the required components of a vehicle. Additionally, they each component should get the required amount of voltage as specified by the manufacturer.

Power chips also play the safety role whereby they protect components of a vehicle from the dangers associated with excessive electric current.

Memory chips

The memory semiconductor chips for a vehicle perform all the memory-related functions in a vehicle.

Think of the vehicle’s ability to tell you the number of miles or kilometers that you have covered after a trip. This data is processed and stored in the memory chips.

Memory chips are also designed to store other core data about a vehicle which will be needed when doing the routine repair and maintenance of the car.

The different types of memory chips used in vehicles include SRAM, EEPROM, and Flash memory. Each of these memory chips has unique features and is designed for specific functions.

Automotive sensor chips

These basically perform the data collection functions in a vehicle. These chips are able to detect various features and aspects that can affect the performance of a vehicle. They include temperature sensors, speed sensors, motion sensors, throttle sensors, and any other type of sensor found in a car.

Sensor chips are usually installed on the target components of a vehicle. For example, you will find tire pressure chips near the wheels.

Communication chip

Still on the matters of data, while sensors are responsible for data collection, communication chips are responsible for facilitating a smooth transfer of data from one component to another. These chips are also able to relay data to external devices such as computers and smartphones.

For example, a scanner will be able to connect with your vehicle and display possible errors. This will happen because of the communication between the chips and the scanner. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity found in vehicles are enabled by communication chips.

Graphic processing units (GPU)

Image source Digital Trends

This may come out as a surprise but in reality, is vehicles do have GPUs. They are responsible for processing graphical data which later on be displayed on a vehicle’s interface.

One common application area of automotive GPU is on the infotainment system. Dashboards of modern vehicles are characterized by heavy graphics.

The general function of automotive GPUs is to enhance the user interface.

In overall, the above types of automotive chips can be put into three broad classes. These are functional chips, power chips, and sensors.

Also, from the list above, are there types of automotive chips that are more important than others?

No, all of them play important roles in the smooth running of the vehicle. So, you should handle and treat them equally. In case one gets damaged, you should replace it.

However, we cannot deny the fact that some vehicles are able to run even in the absence of specific chips. This usually applies to old models of vehicles.

Location of automotive chips

Are the automotive chips located at one specific place in a vehicle?

No, car computers are distributed in different parts of a vehicle. Automotive manufacturers usually deploy target positioning whereby each chip is conveniently positioned on a component that needs it.

Some chip microcontrollers are positioned on a vehicle’s engine control module. This can be on the engine mount or engine compartment. At such a position, the chip will be able to monitor the state and performance of the engine. Additionally, chips related to power management are also found on the engine.

A vehicle’s transmission module also plays host to a couple of chips, mainly the ones that are related to the transmission operation of a vehicle.

Since we have safety components of a vehicle such as brakes and airbags, you will find the most safety-related chips on such components.

Most semiconductor chips for the infotainment are on the dashboard while others are embedded in the devices such as audio systems.

It is advisable to use a car manufacturer’s manual to know the exact location of the chip. This is important because the location of these semiconductor devices on vehicles is not universal for all vehicles.

Advancements in automotive chips

We have witnessed massive growth in technology in recent years. The chip industry has also been affected whereby there has been a massive improvement in the growth and development of automotive chips.

Smaller automotive chips

One of the advancements that we have witnessed is the miniaturization of chips. Chip manufacturers have come up with smaller designs that can be easily embedded into different devices. Take note that despite the miniaturization, the performance has still managed to be the same and even better than the larger semiconductor chips.

Wireless connectivity

Modern chips have advanced communication features. One of these features is better wireless connectivity. They are designed and built to have adaptors that support wireless connections such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

The wireless connectivity features of some vehicles can even cover for several distances. For example, some cars have communication chips that allow them to connect to dealers nearby for diagnosis and service.

Improved sensors

The sensing capabilities of modern vehicles is definitely on different levels. Modern sensor chips have powerful sensors such as lidar. They are able to collect and process massive amounts of data within a short time.

The result of advanced sensor is technologies such as autonomous driving. These chips are able to identify and detect objects on the road and will even avoid possible collision.

Chip integration

This advancement refers to the ability of a single automotive chip to perform different tasks. The main advantage of integration is cost-effectiveness whereby automakers don’t have to buy different semiconductor chips for different functions. A single chip will do the job.

Advanced power management

Modern vehicles have different power features and characteristics from older cars. New chips are designed to meet the new power requirements of vehicles. For instance, the new chips are designed to deal with issues such as hybrid power systems and eco-modes. With complex battery systems, there should be some improvements to keep up with such advancements.

The advancements in car chips have paved way for a better driving experience. They have also improved the safety ratings of vehicles. We should expect and be ready to embrace more advanced features in the coming years.

The trends and the future of automotive chips

Beyond the advancements that we have witnessed in this industry, what does the future of automotive chips look like?

Or, what are the hottest trends with regard to car chips?

Here are the hottest topics and an overview of the future of automotive chips.

Artificial intelligence: AI seems to be the new sheriff in town and is sweeping across every industry. The chip industry has not been spared. In the near future, we should expect the incorporation of AI in automotive chips. These microcontrollers will have human-like features and will have a major impact on the automotive industry.
Environment-friendly chips: As the message of sustainability keeps spreading, we are seeing manufacturers designing chips that are geared towards saving the environment. Such chips specialize in cutting down the emissions from vehicles.
Better connectivity: In the future, we expect automotive chips to have better connectivity capabilities. Such chips should be able to handle data efficiently when connected to different networks and devices. Additionally, we expect chips to adapt to the 5G network connectivity.

Overall, the future of automotive chips looks promising. More players are getting into the field and this will accelerate the efforts toward building and researching of microcontrollers. We expect chips to have newer and better capabilities.

Challenges in the development of automotive chips

While there are general challenges in the chip industry, the automotive spectrum is more sensitive. This is because the chip requirements for cars are more demanding.

A major challenge in automotive chips is reliability. This is based on the backdrop that vehicles are moving objects and are likely to subject semiconductor chips to harsh conditions such as high temperatures and constant vibrations. Automotive chip manufacturers should make chips that will deliver accurate results regardless of their conditions.

Another challenge facing the automotive chip industry is safety. Keep in mind that safety is one of the numerous functions of chips. It must be quite a daunting task to come up with chips that will guarantee maximum safety levels when driving. This is harder when you consider that drivers are also responsible for taking care of their safety.

The complexity of vehicles is another bottleneck affecting the automotive chip industry. Cars are increasingly becoming complex over time. Modern cars are packed with tons of sophisticated features. On the other hand, chip manufacturers must do all that it takes to keep up with such levels of sophistication.

Industry standards are another key challenge that is facing the manufacturing and development of automotive chips. As you may be aware the automotive industry is always under regulation by different standardization bodies in different regions. Car manufacturers must strive to meet the set standards. Chip manufacturers may find it challenging to keep up with the ever-changing standards that affect the auto world.

Despite these numerous challenges, automotive chip makers are always striving to overcome them. Proper research, planning, and development in chip manufacturing will help to overcome such challenges.

Who makes chips for cars?

There are automotive chip manufacturers across the globe. Before you proceed to buy a car chip, it will be smart to verify the manufacturer. Some manufacturers are known for making quality and reliable automotive chips.

Here are the top automotive chip manufacturers that you should know:

Infineon Technologies: Infineon has a reputation of making semiconductor chips that specialize in power management. In the recent years, the company has been developing microchips for security systems. Most chips from the company are used in electric vehicles.
NXP Semiconductors: Well, this company ranks as the biggest manufacturer of the semiconductor chips for cars. The large production capacity of the company allows it to make different types of automotive chips. The company deals with different chips starting from the power management chips to the sensors and GPUs.
STMicroelectronics: According to the company’s websites, it manufactures different automotive chips that are used for power management. Chips on most hybrid vehicles are mainly developed by this manufacturer.
Intel Corporation: Intel is a major brand name when it comes to the microchips for home appliances and electronics. In relation to this, the company makes chips that control the infotainment components of a vehicle.

While these seem to be the major players in the automotive chip market, there are many other companies that are making great strides in this industry.

Automotive chip market

The market for semiconductor chips for cars has been quite volatile in recent years. Recently we witnessed a major short supply of car semiconductor chips. The shortage slowed down the production of chips and the automotive industry was negatively impacted.

The good news is that the market for automotive chips has been in recovery mode. Now you can easily buy automotive chips from your reliable supplier or distributor.

Conclusion

I hope that from this guide you have learned something crucial about automotive chips. When buying semiconductor chips for vehicles, ensure you get them from reliable sources. The specs of the chips should also be compatible with your vehicle.

In case you need any clarification about these semiconductor devices, it will be good to find an automotive chip specialist.