It’s become commonplace to think of cars as computers on wheels—with many high-profile industry figures using such terminology. But that can be a misleading comparison, as analog signals are just as important as digital computing in the automotive industry.
As cars increasingly add new electronic capabilities and applications (such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), intelligent cockpits, telematics, and infotainment), the in-vehicle systems must keep up.
As today’s cars are putting more and more demands on their electrical power systems, they must achieve high efficiency to reduce heat dissipation and cut electricity consumption. At the same time, they need to be small enough to fit wherever needed, with suitable performance and flexibility.
Today’s high-speed interconnects achieve ever-higher data rates into the Gbps range. However, this introduces more design complexity.
We are surrounded by sophisticated electronic components; in our homes, cars, and gadgets. But these devices are only useful when they control or respond to something in the real world.
Even when not taking into account the electrification of the drivetrain, the number of electric motors in the average car is increasing significantly.
Emily Yang is a member of the Global Semiconductor Association. She also serves on the Women’s Leadership Initiative and is an industry mentor.
Most of us seem to end up with a drawer filled with old chargers, either for mobile phones, notebook PCs, or battery-powered home appliances and power tools.
Today’s cars are computers on wheels: full of complex electronics which all must be powered. Nowadays, modern cars include at least 150 electronic control units (ECUs).
The accessibility of audio applications means that music and smart technology is everywhere: commuters listen to music on their earbuds while traveling and a home’s smart speakers make it easy to talk to AI-enabled personal assistants in any room.
