Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and Alps Alpine Co., Ltd. today announced their joint work to deliver the Digital Cabin – a proposal for future mobility to enrich a space of style and comfort, even behind the cockpit. The Digital Cabin uses High-Performance Reference Architecture (HPRA), Alps Alpine’s original integrated electronic control unit (ECU) powered by the 3rd Generation Snapdragon® Automotive Cockpit Platforms. HPRA is used to perform software processing for the Digital Cabin via human-machine interface (HMI), sensor and connectivity technologies, enabling advanced infotainment and cockpit capabilities in the vehicle.
The 3rd Generation Snapdragon Automotive Cockpit Platforms from Qualcomm Technologies are artificial intelligence (AI)-based platforms designed to support higher levels of compute and computing intelligence needed for advanced capabilities featured in next-generation vehicles. By using the platforms to power HPRA, Alps Alpine aims to deliver safety, comfort and top-of-theline entertainment solutions. This work reflects Qualcomm Technologies’ and Alps Alpine’s continued commitment to delivering unmatched, next-generation experiences within the automotive cabin and cockpit. The Digital Cabin technologies from Alps Alpine, powered by Qualcomm Technologies, include an e-mirror providing a peripheral view with dramatically reduced blind spots, next-generation input and output devices integrated into door trims, a large ceiling display, and sound zones that project sound individually to each person.
By combining Alps Alpine’s HMI, sensor, connectivity and infotainment technology with Qualcomm Technologies’ fully scalable cockpit solutions – designed with a modular architecture to allow automakers to deliver a variety of customizable options for their consumers – the companies are further enhancing the digital in-vehicle experience.
“We are excited to continue our work with Qualcomm Technologies to deliver advanced invehicle solutions that combine high-performance telematics solutions with enhanced connectivity,” said Yoshikatsu Watanabe, VP Infotainment Business, Alps Alpine Co., Ltd. “The Snapdragon Automotive Cockpit Platforms have allowed us to design unrivaled capabilities in the car, achieving our goal of delivering one-of-a-kind experiences to drivers and passengers.”
“We deeply value our work with Alps Alpine and are confident that, together, we will continue to transform in-vehicle experiences,” said Shyam Krishnamurthy, vice president, product management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “By powering HPRA, we are bringing the benefits of next-generation telematics, high-speed connectivity and powerful compute capabilities to the car.”
The Digital Cabin using HPRA and powered by the 3rd Generation Snapdragon Automotive Cockpit Platforms was first showcased in Japan in 2020. Alps Alpine aims for these features to be commercially available in 2024.
About Qualcomm
Qualcomm is the world’s leading wireless technology innovator and the driving force behind the development, launch, and expansion of 5G. When we connected the phone to the internet, the mobile revolution was born. Today, our foundational technologies enable the mobile ecosystem and are found in every 3G, 4G and 5G smartphone. We bring the benefits of mobile to new industries, including automotive, the internet of things, and computing, and are leading the way to a world where everything and everyone can communicate and interact seamlessly.
Qualcomm Incorporated includes our licensing business, QTL, and the vast majority of our patent portfolio. Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, operates, along with its subsidiaries, substantially all of our engineering, research and development functions, and substantially all of our products and services businesses, including our QCT semiconductor business.
About Alps Alpine
Alps Alpine, a leading manufacturer of electronic components and automotive infotainment systems, has brought the world numerous “First 1” and “Number 1” products since its founding in 1948. The Alps Alpine Group currently operates 110 bases in 26 countries and regions, supplying roughly 40,000 different products and solutions to around 2,000 companies worldwide. Those offerings include devices such as switches, sensors, data communication modules, touch input panels, actuators and power inductors; electronic shifters, remote keyless entry systems and other automotive units; consumer electronics like car navigation and audio-visual systems; and systems and services such as digital type keys based on smartphone app and blockchain technology, and remote monitoring.
In January 2019, Alps Electric Co., Ltd. and Alpine Electronics, Inc. integrated their businesses to embark on a new era as Alps Alpine Co., Ltd. Serving a diverse range of markets encompassing an automotive industry currently undergoing major transformation, the mobile and consumer electronics domains, through to energy, healthcare and industry markets, Alps Alpine will combine and build on core device technology established over many years in three areas – human-machine interfaces, SENSORING™ and connectivity – along with system design and software
development capabilities to innovate value that brings comfort to and enriches the lives of people everywhere. For more information: www.alpsalpine.com.