Future automotive electronic systems and their impact on solid-state-circuits

The current status of automobile electronics is surveyed, and the relationship between automobile electronics and the semiconductor industry is examined. To achieve the evolution of the auto electronic system described, progress in three major areas of semiconductor technology is necessary: (1) power single chip microcomputers are needed for the computing center; (2) combined logic and power devices are needed for remote electronics in intelligent peripherals, and (3) new packaging technologies are required for semiconductor devices in these peripherals. It is concluded that, to achieve the necessary objectives, a much better understanding of the mutual problems in the semiconductor and the auto industry is necessary. The auto industry must have a better understanding of the semiconductor learning curve, and the technological progress that can be made over time. The semiconductor industry, where progress is mainly driven by the demands of the computer business, should spend more resources on, meeting the special requirements of the auto industry.<>