Next-Generation Vehicle Semiconductors Launching Simultaneously... Samsung Electronics Focuses on Automotive Electronics Business

Three next-generation automotive system semiconductors unveiled by Samsung Electronics on the 30th. (Photo by Samsung Electronics)

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Samsung Electronics has launched three next-generation automotive system semiconductors at once, strengthening its automotive electronics business. In line with the recent rapid growth trend of autonomous vehicles and electric vehicles markets, the company plans to expand its market share in automotive semiconductors by enhancing related businesses such as ultra-high-speed communication chips, high-performance processors, and power semiconductors.

The products unveiled by Samsung Electronics on the 30th include the industry’s first 5G-based vehicle communication chip ‘Exynos Auto T5123’, an infotainment (IVI) processor with artificial intelligence (AI) computing capabilities ‘Exynos Auto V7’, and a power management chip (PMIC) ‘S2VPS01’ that precisely and stably controls the power supplied to automotive infotainment processors. These products were introduced considering the growing demand for ultra-high-speed communication chips and infotainment processors that enable uninterrupted downloading of large-capacity, high-definition content while driving, as well as power semiconductors that stably regulate the power supplied to these processors.

First, the Exynos Auto T5123 supports ultra-high-speed download speeds of up to 5.1Gbps. It also features a multi-mode communication chip based on the latest 5G technology, supporting both SA mode, which uses the 5G network independently, and NSA mode, which uses LTE networks together, allowing stable and fast data transmission and reception anytime and anywhere. It includes two Arm Cortex-A55 cores and a satellite navigation system (GNSS) that uses satellites to accurately determine location information, facilitating the development of telematics systems that provide real-time traffic information.

The infotainment processor Exynos Auto V7 has been installed in Volkswagen’s ICAS 3.1 infotainment system, manufactured by LG Electronics’ VS Business Division. This product is equipped with a neural processing unit (NPU) for AI computing, offering virtual assistant services, voice, face, and gesture recognition functions, as well as defective pixel and distortion correction technology and image compression technology (DRC) for clear display. Additionally, it features three HiFi 4 audio processors, allowing users to enjoy high-quality music, movies, and games.

The power semiconductor S2VPS01 has obtained the ‘ASIL-B’ certification, one of the essential requirements for automotive manufacturers (OEMs) and key partners. This certification is a vehicle system safety standard classified into four levels (A to D) based on the likelihood of accidents, severity, and driver controllability; infotainment systems generally require level B. To enhance stability even in environments where faults may occur, this product is equipped with protection functions against sudden changes in voltage and current, heat blocking functions, and self-diagnosis functions.

Samsung Electronics plans to actively respond to the growing demand for advanced automotive semiconductors. According to the UK financial information company IHS Markit, the automotive semiconductor market is expected to expand from $45 billion this year to $67.6 billion by 2026. Accordingly, Samsung Electronics has been developing automotive system semiconductors, supplying the ‘Exynos Auto 8890’ automotive processor to Germany’s Audi in 2017 and the ‘Exynos Auto V9’ to Audi’s next-generation infotainment system in 2019. In July, it also launched the automotive image sensor ‘ISOCELL Auto4AC’.

Park Jaehong, Vice President and Head of the Custom SoC Business Team at Samsung Electronics’ System LSI Division, said, “The importance of vehicle intelligence and connectivity for in-vehicle infotainment systems and driver safety is increasing.” He added, “Samsung Electronics plans to strengthen its automotive electronics business by providing the latest 5G communication technology, processors equipped with advanced AI functions, and stable and verified power management chips.”