Wonders on wheels

: Tech seems to be driving dashboards more than desktops. One look at the neon-drenched cars being showcased at events like Auto Expo is enough to demonstrate the power of semiconductor technology. Silicon chips, however, are not limited to futuristic concept cars as electronics rivals mechanics in several cars on roads today.

Smartware like engine control, navigation systems, sensors and door controls is creeping into automobiles from BMW and Mercedes Benz to the low-cost Tata Nano. As horsepower gives way to computing power, manufacturers have started integrating various applications on a single chip by reducing the board area and optimising performance. This spells vast opportunity for semiconductor majors who can work with automakers to create the next generation of irresistible devices.

As the small car battle steps up in India, automotive majors have intensified their efforts in implementing semiconductors into their vehicles. Not surprising, the use of micro control units (MCUs)—which help maintain various functions of the motor vehicle—have nearly doubled in cars in the last five years and so is their contribution to the overall cost of the vehicle. For instance, less than five MCUs control Nano, claimed to be world’s cheapest car. At the same time, the number of MCUs go up to 10 in compact cars like the Maruti Swift or the Skoda Fabia; 25-30 MCUs are embedded in mid-segment sedans like the Honda City and Maruti SX4. Technologically advanced vehicles like the Mercedes and BMWs are controlled by as many as 80-90 micro control units with multiple semiconductors. Interestingly, the number of MCUs is 25-30% higher in hybrids like the Toyota Prius or the Honda Civic as two different engine control units come into play as compared to a conventional gasoline-driven vehicle.

“Indian customers today expect car manufacturers to provide office or drawing-like experience in their cars. This has resulted in higher usage of IT and electronics in automobiles in the last few years. The phenomenon is more predominant in bigger cars. For example, while we need just one chip to run the engine of Maruti 800, a total of 6-7 chips are required to control the engine, power steering and air bag functions of Maruti SX4,” says IV Rao, executive-director (engineering), Maruti Suzuki India.

“During the last 15-20 years, the average speed of the vehicle has gone up by 30-35% resulting in a 15% lower fuel consumption, thanks to the greater use of semiconductors in the embedded micro control...