Introduction
Automotive microcontrollers are highly integrated chip, which enables control over the automobile functioning. There are more than 100 microcontrollers used in automobiles which include AVR microcontroller, 8051 microcontrollers, PIC microcontrollers, and many others. The microcontroller is classified into 8 bit, 16 bit and 32 bit. Microcontrollers manage Electronic Control Unit functions such as power windows, seats, braking, steering and headlights. Additionally, Tinned steel, Nickel cobalt ferrous alloy, and copper alloy are the material used for the manufacturing of microcontrollers. Mostly, Tinned steel continues to be preferred for the production of automotive Microcontrollers.
The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with vehicles becoming smarter, safer, and more connected. At the core of this revolution lies the automotive microcontroller unit (MCU), a crucial component that ensures the smooth operation of vehicles throughout their entire operating life. In this article, we will explore the role of automotive MCUs in powering vehicles from production to retirement, backed by the latest research and data from various researched based published sources.
The automotive MCU is required to serve for the entire operating life of the car, typically 10-15 years, without needing any service or replacement. The device qualification needs to account for ageing, long-term reliability and early failure detection.
In the business-to-business (B2B) context, autonomous vehicle solutions are emerging as a new business model. There are four types of AVSs: (i) advanced-data-assisted solutions, (ii) semiautonomous platooning solutions, (iii) autonomous driving solutions and (iv) autonomous delivery solutions.
The key points included in the article are:
- Introduction to Automotive MCU
- Importance of Automotive MCU in the automotive industry
- Challenges faced by Automotive MCU
- How Automotive MCU is empowering the entire operating life of a car
- Latest trends in Automotive MCU
- Future of Automotive MCU
Importance of Automotive MCU in the automotive industry: Automotive MCU is an essential component in the automotive industry as it provides the necessary computing power to control various functions of a car. There are more than 100 MCUs are used in a single car. It is responsible for controlling the engine, transmission, and other critical systems of a car. With the increasing complexity of modern cars, the importance of Automotive MCU has increased significantly. It is now an integral part of the automotive industry and plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and reliability of cars. The automotive microcontroller unit (MCU) has become an indispensable component in the automotive industry, revolutionizing the way vehicles operate and enhancing the overall driving experience.
Microcontrollers used in Cars
Different Microcontrollers used in an automobile can communicate with one another through a multiplexing. These microcontrollers can manage related systems separately by using a BUS to communicate with other networks when they are required to perform a function. The combination of several linked networks includes the CAN (controller area networks). Present controller area networks permit complex interactions, that involve sensory systems, car speed, and outdoor rain fall interactions, in car temperatures with performance controls for air conditioning maintenance, the audio visual multimedia systems and braking mechanisms.
The communication in the automobiles, which is established by different microcontrollers’ has control over both fail safe systems and automotive fault tolerant systems wherein the microcontrollers can not only serve to respond mishaps and faults that occur to the car (anti lock brake interference, accelerator and broken lights), but also to duplicate as secondary units that continuously check the primary microcontroller in the event of microcontroller itself failing.
Challenges faced by Automotive MCU: The challenges faced by Automotive MCU include computing power, low power consumption, reliability, and security. Testing Automotive MCU is also a challenge as it poses additional constraints compared to communication, networking or entertainment domains. The shortage of MCUs has also hit the automotive industry hard.
How Automotive MCU is empowering the entire operating life of a car: Automotive MCU is used to control all electronic systems of a car, such as controlling multimedia, speakers, navigation, and suspension. It is also responsible for controlling the engine, transmission, and other critical systems of a car. Automotive MCU is an essential component in the automotive industry as it provides the necessary computing power to control various functions of a car. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and reliability of cars throughout their operating life.
- Latest trends in Automotive MCU: According to a report by World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.3 million people die each year due to road traffic crashes which cost most countries approximately 3% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Vehicles furnished with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) can detect and classify objects on the road and alert drivers according to the road conditions while driving. In addition these systems can also automatically decrease the speed of vehicles, depending on the situation.. These lifesaving systems are crucial to ensuring the success of ADAS applications, incorporating the latest interface standards, and running multiple vision-based algorithms to support real-time multimedia, vision co-processing, and sensor fusion subsystems. According to National Safety Council, with the installation of ADAS technologies we are able to prevent 20,841 deaths per year, or about 62% of total traffic deaths.
According to EV-Volumes.com, approximately 672.9 thousand plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) were sold across the Asia-Pacific region in 2021. This was a dramatic increase from 2020 when around 264.26 thousand plug-in hybrid electric vehicles were sold. The increasing demand for these vehicles is subsequently increase the manufacturer’s growth of automotive MCUs in Asia-Pacific region.
This region has emerged as a prominent hub for manufacturing semiconductors and semiconductor-based devices. According to the report of World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) estimates, the semiconductor industry revenue in the Asia Pacific region (excluding Japan) was USD 257.88 billion in 2019 and USD 290.85 billion in 2021. The region is also home to global leading electronics and automotive manufacturing companies.
Automotive Microcontroller Market Statistics – 2026
The global automotive microcontroller market was valued at $9.06 billion in 2018, and is projected to reach $15.77 billion by 2026, registering a CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast year 2019-2026.
The widespread use of automation has created a huge demand for such microcontrollers, which are responsible for automatic operation of features associated with vehicles. Automatic operations included in automobiles. Better, Innovative and efficient microcontrollers designed for vehicles are responsible to carry out numerous tasks such as controlling advanced features as well as are responsible for efficient operations of vehicle. Numerous developments carried out across the globe related to the development of better and efficient microcontrollers supplement the automotive microcontroller industry as well as are responsible to increase the automotive microcontroller market share.
Various factors such as rapid developments in the automotive industry and high demand for safety features propel the market growth. However, factors such as operational failure in extreme climatic conditions and high initial cost and complex structure are supposed to hamper the growth of the automotive microcontroller market. Further, the demand for electric and hybrid vehicles is expected to increase in the future as automotive microcontrollers find a wide application in electric and hybrid vehicles for better and efficient operations and untapped regions are expected to create numerous opportunities for the growth and expansion of the market.
Future of Automotive MCU:
The future of automotive system design pertaining to a vehicle-centralized, zone-oriented E/E architecture, which enhance the need for automotive chips that address the challenges. These innovative MCUs create for future vehicle generations. The development of new technologies such as 5G and AI will also drive the growth of Automotive MCU. The companies in the region are launching advanced solutions to cater to the needs of their consumers.
Driving Innovation and Efficiency: Automotive MCUs serve as the brains of modern vehicles, enabling the integration and control of various electronic systems. These advanced microcontrollers process a multitude of data inputs from sensors; analyze it in real-time, and initiate appropriate responses. They are responsible for managing the engine, power train systems, safety features, infotainment systems, and more.
In recent years, the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has further highlighted the importance of automotive MCUs. These intelligent devices regulate and optimize power delivery, manage battery management systems, and control the seamless integration of electric power with traditional internal combustion engines. Through their precise control and optimization capabilities, automotive MCUs enhance the efficiency and performance of vehicles, contributing to a greener and more sustainable transportation ecosystem.
Enhancing Safety and Autonomous Capabilities: Safety is a paramount concern in the automotive industry, and automotive MCUs play a critical role in ensuring vehicle and occupant safety. They
enable the implementation of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), such as collision avoidance, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and emergency braking. These systems rely on the real-time processing of sensor data and the prompt execution of control actions, all managed by automotive MCUs.
Furthermore, as autonomous driving technology continues to advance, automotive MCUs are becoming even more integral. They enable the integration and coordination of various components of autonomous systems, such as cameras, radars, lidars, and control algorithms. By processing vast amounts of data and making split-second decisions, automotive MCUs are paving the way for self- driving vehicles that can navigate roads safely and efficiently.
Reliability and Longevity: Automotive MCUs are designed to withstand the harsh conditions and demanding requirements of the automotive environment. These devices need to operate flawlessly in extreme temperatures, withstand vibrations, and endure electromagnetic interference.
Moreover, as vehicles have an extended lifespan ranging from 10 to 20 years or more, automotive MCUs must exhibit longevity and reliability over their operational life.
To meet these challenges, automotive MCU manufacturers employ advanced semiconductor technologies and rigorous testing procedures. These technologies include high-quality materials, such as silicon-on-insulator (SOI) and FinFET, which improve performance, reduce power consumption, and enhance reliability. Additionally, extensive validation and testing processes ensure that automotive MCUs meet industry standards and can endure the rigors of long-term vehicle use.
Future Innovations and Connectivity: As the automotive industry continues to evolve, automotive MCUs are poised to support and drive future innovations. The integration of advanced connectivity features, such as vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, is becoming increasingly important. Automotive MCUs enable seamless communication between the vehicle, external devices, and cloud-based platforms, facilitating real-time data exchange, over-the- air updates, and predictive maintenance.
Moreover, automotive MCUs are expected to play a crucial role in emerging technologies such as augmented reality (AR) displays, voice recognition, and natural language processing. These advancements will further enhance the overall driving experience, making vehicles more intuitive, user-friendly, and personalized.
Conclusion
Automotive MCUs are the driving force behind the technological advancements in the automotive industry. From powering vehicle systems to enhancing safety, efficiency, and connectivity, these intelligent devices ensure that cars perform optimally throughout their entire operating life. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, automotive MCU manufacturers will continue to innovate, enabling the development of smarter, safer, and more connected vehicles. In summary, automotive MCUs are of paramount importance in the automotive industry, enabling advanced functionalities, enhancing safety, promoting efficiency, and facilitating connectivity. Their versatility and capabilities are instrumental in transforming vehicles into intelligent entities that deliver an enhanced driving experience for consumers and open up new opportunities for businesses.
