Semiconductor Shifts in Automotive: Impact of EV and ADAS Trends

The integration of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and the transition towards electric vehicles (EVs) are significantly transforming the automotive industry.

Modern vehicles, essentially computers on wheels, require substantially more semiconductors. In response, carmakers are forming stronger partnerships with semiconductor vendors - some are taking a page from tech giants like Apple and Samsung by designing their own chips, often following a fabless or outsourced production model.

While a deeper connection with semiconductor design helps automakers maintain design control and supply chain resilience, it also imposes substantial responsibility to understand and meet stringent automotive quality standards.

The crucial role of semiconductor testing

Testing is vital to meet the automotive industry's demands for quality, cost-efficiency, and timely market entry. As carmakers delve into semiconductor design, they face new challenges. Advanced semiconductors, more complex by nature, require thorough testing to ensure automotive-grade quality.

The industry's push towards smaller process nodes, like 5nm and below, further amplifies these challenges, necessitating early and continuous engagement with testing resources to maintain high standards without compromising time to market.

Zero defects commitment

The automotive industry's commitment to zero defects underscores the critical importance of quality. This commitment is based on an analysis of the costs associated with testing versus the potentially catastrophic costs of failures, such as life-threatening malfunctions, costly recalls, and market delays.

These issues can dramatically impact revenue and market position, highlighting the need for rigorous testing. The exceptional quality requirements inherent to automotive standards are set to intensify with the increasing digital complexity of vehicles.

Given that automotive chips must perform reliably over a lifespan of 10 to 20 years, comprehensive testing protocols play an essential role in identifying and rectifying defects early, optimizing both cost and quality. This fundamental aspect of semiconductor manufacturing cements the principle that quality is not just a priority, but the paramount concern.

This commitment transcends the capabilities of even the most skilled engineers, requiring systematic and integrated testing processes to ensure chip reliability and performance under diverse conditions.

Collaboration is key

Collaboration between automakers and semiconductor manufacturers is crucial, fostering an environment where issues can be identified and addressed early in the development cycle.

These partnerships are vital for maintaining momentum in the face of rapid technological advancements and ensuring that the automotive industry can meet the high standards of safety, reliability, and performance expected by consumers.

This collaborative approach helps to optimize testing processes, to maintain stringent quality standards, and to protect time-to-market goals, preventing production delays and ensuring the continuous advancement of automotive technologies.

For more insight on how EV and ADAS trends are driving carmakers into the semiconductor arena, read our latest article in EV Design & Manufacturing Magazine.

Fisher Zhang is the general manager of the complex SOC business unit for Teradyne's Semiconductor Test Division in Asia, where he is focused on leading edge solutions in computing, automotive and wireless. Fisher has been in the semiconductor industry for more than 17 years. Prior to joining Teradyne, he held roles in applications engineering, sales and marketing at Advantest and Cohu. Fisher holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in circuits and system and information engineering from Southeast University.