In connected car news are NOVOSENSE, Kia, Hyundai, VicOne & NXP
Auto Chip Standards Discussed LIN Makes NOVOSENSE
At the end of May, 2023, the automotive electronics and electromagnetic compatibility sub-committee (SAC/TC114/SC29) of the National Technical Committee of Auto Standardization (hereinafter referred to as “NTCAS”) held the “2023 First Series Meeting of the Automotive Chip Standard Research Working Group” in Jinan. Meanwhile, the Standard Drafting Group Meeting on the Technical Requirements and Test Methods for Auto Local Interconnect Network (LIN) Transceiver Chips led by NOVOSENSE was officially held. The representative of NOVOSENSE discussed and communicated with industry experts from more than ten automotive OEM, tier 1 suppliers, and industry organizations on the control mode and function, electrical characteristics, EMC requirements and environmental reliability, LIN communication protocol and consistency testing of LIN transceiver chips.
Along with the advancement of automobile electrification and intelligence, the use of auto chip increases greatly. Taking LIN transceiver chip as an example, there are generally about 15-20 LIN transceiver chips on a vehicle, and as many as 30 LIN chips on a vehicle that uses more controllers. According to the data of China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, in 2022, the production and sales of automobiles in China reported respectively 27.021 million sets and 26.864 million sets. LIN transceiver chips are in great demand, and the construction of a standard system is imperative.
LIN, as one of the common vehicle-mounted networks, aims to transmit low-speed data from control devices at the lowest possible cost. LIN bus can eliminate as much wiring as possible and is implemented using a single wire in each node. LIN is typically used in rearviews, window lifters, door switches, door locks, car seats, engine sensors, engine cooling fans, wiper controls, rain sensors, light controls, sunroofs, etc. With the advancement of the formulation of LIN transceiver chip industry standards, it will further develop the cognition of related chip demand and performance between auto enterprises and chip enterprises, and effectively increase the efficiency and collaboration of the upstream and downstream industry chains.
As one of the research units of automotive chip standard system construction, NOVOSENSE actively participates in the construction of the standard system, adheres to the combination of collaborative innovation and independent research and development, and continues to introduce automotive chips that meet the needs of the market and customers, helping the high-quality development of the chip industry and the automobile industry.
NOVOSENSE has launched a new three-wire Hall-effect switch/latch NSM101x series to provide a high-precision solution for digital position detection, which can be widely used in the position detection of automotive actuators.
The NSM101x series includes three models, namely, NSM1011 (unipolar Hall switch), NSM1012 (omnipolar Hall switch), and NSM1013 (Hall latch). Involving different switching points, working magnetic poles, output phase, normal power consumption and low power consumption modes, temperature compensation coefficient of magnet materials, packaging form and other dimensions, the NSM101x series can fully cover different system requirements in various application scenarios. All models are automotive-qualified and industry-qualified. The automotive-qualified products meet the reliability requirements of AEC-Q100 Grade 0 and can work in the harsh environment of -40~150℃.
The NSM101x series achieves the industry-leading wide supply voltage range, with the absolute maximum ration of -20 ~ +40V and the operating voltage range of 2.7~ 38V. It is suitable for various application scenarios of LDO power supply and direct power supply by automotive low-voltage battery.
The NSM101x series supports over current protection and over temperature protection, and a long short circuit between the output and the power supply or ground wire will not cause product damage, which greatly improves the possibility of passing the complex on-board electrical performance test of the sensor module. In addition, the product line has industry-leading ESD performance, which is up to ±8kV with the HBM mode, improving robustness in component manufacturing and end-customer applications.
SOT23-3 package and TO92S package are compatible with mainstream competitive products in the industry, and support through hole components welding, resistance welding and PCB surface-mount technology, so that the chip can be replaced directly under the premise that the structural design remains completely unchanged.
VicOne & NXP Cybersecurity
VicOne, an automotive cybersecurity solutions leader, announced today a collaboration with NXP® Semiconductors and Inventec that has led to an integrated, real-time cybersecurity solution for emerging software-defined vehicles (SDVs).
Powered by NXP’s S32G vehicle network processor, Inventec’s vehicle Central Gateway (CGW) is integrated with VicOne’s cybersecurity software solutions. The built-in security delivers a turnkey solution that improves overall system compatibility and performance for automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and their suppliers, to promote scalability and streamline go-to-market activities. Plus, the integration aligns strongly with the automotive industry’s emerging compliance requirements, such as the ISO/SAE 21434 standard for cybersecurity engineering.
By combining VicOne’s automotive cybersecurity solutions with Inventec’s Central Gateway based on NXP’s S32G vehicle network processor, the end-to-end solution delivers crucial capabilities for combatting constantly evolving cyber threats:
- Real-time deep-packet inspection (DPI) and detection of malicious traffic in vehicle networks
- Analysis with comprehensive visibility for identifying threats and proactively searching for potential risks
- Response via unique “virtual patching” for protection without code changes or firmware updates
VicOne will highlight the collaboration’s solution at NXP Connects 2023, which continues through June 14 in Santa Clara, California. The event, for which VicOne is one of the sponsors, brings together more than 1,000 engineers for two days of NXP training, networking, solution demonstrations and presentations from industry leaders.
“The automakers and suppliers who rapidly evolve software can claim decisive competitive advantages, but the complex and interconnected nature of today’s SDVs raises the importance of cybersecurity considerations,” said Edward Tsai, vice president of strategic partnership, VicOne. “The integrated solution resulting from our partnership with NXP and Inventec enables the automotive industry to more simply and seamlessly implement robust capabilities from respected, established solutions providers and future-proof for emerging risks.”
“Collaboration between companies to offer solutions leveraging complementary expertise and technologies is crucial to help accelerate the software-defined vehicle development,” said Brian Carlson, global marketing director for vehicle control and networking solutions at NXP. “The Inventec Central Gateway leveraging the NXP S32G processor’s powerful compute, networking and security capabilities, and integrated with VicOne’s dynamic security software, offers an attractive solution to address ever-evolving, vehicle cybersecurity threats.”
Added Sam Yeh, chief strategy officer and EVP of Inventec: “Our collaboration with NXP and VicOne creates a complete picture of proven electronics with well-integrated security—one that can meet the current and future protection needs of the world’s automotive OEMs and suppliers. This first solution resulting from our partnership promises a safer and more secure driving experience for all.”
KIA Hyundai Restructures SDV
Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Corporation today announced they are reorganizing their joint research and development (R&D) organization to flexibly respond to the rapidly changing global automotive industry, advance the transition to electrification and accelerate the development of Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs). The new R&D organization will transform from a centralized structure focused on vehicle development to an independent Allianced Tech Organization (ATO).
By establishing an R&D organization that enables the timely development of innovative devices and services, Hyundai Motor and Kia are committed to leading the future mobility market where electrification and software capabilities are the key enablers.
To this end, Hyundai Motor and Kia have grouped together and elevated the areas directly related to vehicle development to enhance new vehicle development and secure quality in mass production. The companies also separated the next-generation innovative technology teams within the existing R&D Division as a stand-alone Tech Unit.
The revamped R&D organization will be led by its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO), with each Total Vehicle Development (TVD) Division, Vehicle SW Tech Unit, and Mobility Engineering and Tech Acceleration (META) Tech Unit, as well as new business and Design Centers being reorganized to have their own development systems.
During this organizational restructure, Executive Vice President Yong Hwa Kim, who has been leading the R&D Division, was promoted to President and named CTO. Kim will oversee the entire R&D organization, while also taking place of Head of Vehicle SW Tech Unit. In addition, Executive Vice President Heui Won Yang, who previously held the position of Head of Total Vehicle Development Tech Unit, was named to the Head of TVD Division, securing continuity in R&D amid the extensive organizational restructuring.
“The new R&D organization will be fast and flexible, operating with the agility of a startup, and will enable us to lead in the rapidly changing mobility landscape,” said President and CTO Yong Hwa Kim. “While the previous organization was focused on the efficient development of vehicles, the new dynamic structure will meet ongoing changes in global consumer demands and expands the organization to deliver aligned solutions in future mobility, electrification, software and robotics.”
Under the new system, each Division, Tech Unit, and Center will independently focus on their technology development, whereas for cases where collaboration is required, organizations can come together and separate as needed to perform flexibly, similar to a startup.
In order to build a dynamic R&D system that can flexibly respond to rapid changes in the external business environment, Hyundai Motor and Kia have opted for a major reorganization that completely transforms its perspective instead of making incremental changes.
The reorganization is focused on continuing the transition to electrification and software-centered development, strengthening capabilities to create next-generation technologies and securing future growth engines in new business areas. Based on these efforts, Hyundai Motor and Kia expect to accelerate their journey to become smart and sustainable mobility solution providers.
Total Vehicle Development (TVD) Division to develop models by classes to secure competitiveness in new vehicles, including EVs
The new TVD Division will oversee the overall process of new vehicle development, including electric vehicles (EVs). With the creation of the TVD Division, Hyundai Motor and Kia have elevated the organization responsible for product integration development to Division level with the aim of strengthening core capabilities in vehicle development.
Under this restructuring, TVD Division established the Genesis Development Tech Unit and Vehicle Development Tech Unit 1 for multipurpose vehicles and compact cars, as well as the Vehicle Development Tech Unit 2 for medium to large-sized vehicles. This new organizational structure will facilitate efficient new vehicle development at the brand and platform levels.
Within each unit, there is a dedicated Project Manager (PM) organization overseeing product development for each model, supported by engineering design and test centers reporting directly to them. This structure ensures a seamless and organic development process within each Tech Unit, preventing any interference between brands and vehicle classes.
It also facilitates clear differentiation in vehicle concepts, ultimately enhancing the competitiveness of Hyundai Motor and Kia’s products. Moreover, this collaborative environment will foster the growth of automotive engineers specializing in cutting-edge convergence technologies.
Hyundai Motor and Kia are intensifying efforts to enhance EV development and production capabilities, ensuring top-tier competitiveness in electrification.
The EV organization, including the Electrified Propulsion Engineering Design Center and Electrified Propulsion Test Center, now operates directly under the TVD Division, enabling agile decision-making and driving innovative technological advancements. Dedicated research organizations focused on all-electric driving range and EV safety have also been established, expediting the efficient development of critical electrification technologies.
Hyundai Motor and Kia have high expectations that this organizational restructuring will lead to substantial improvements in the completeness and speed of new model development, with a particular focus on EV lineups.
Vehicle SW Tech Unit to secure industry-leading competitiveness for SDV transition
The expanded Vehicle SW Tech Unit, under the direction of the new CTO, seeks the most efficient way for Hyundai Motor and Kia to transition to an SDV system.
To ensure consistency in software development and build a more robust development system, Hyundai Motor and Kia added the Autonomous Driving Center, Vehicle Control Development Center and Digital Engineering Center to the Vehicle SW Tech Unit, which previously consisted of the Electronics Development Center and Infotainment Development Center. By bringing together these software-related organizations under one Tech Unit, the companies expect organic collaboration between organizations and a concentration of human and material resources.
The Vehicle SW Tech Unit will carry out research and development on the electronic architectures and integrated control strategy for Hyundai Motor and Kia models. It will also work closely with the SDV Division and 42dot to successfully fulfill the Hyundai Motor Group’s SDV strategy.
Hyundai Motor and Kia are focusing on developing automotive software in line with the Group’s SDV development vision unveiled at the ‘Unlock the Software Age’ global online forum in October 2022.
Based on the Domain Centralized Architecture, vehicle control systems are integrated into four domains. Through this structure, the vehicle control software system will be unified and various vehicle features can receive over-the-air (OTA) updates.
Hyundai Motor and Kia are also developing software and related devices from the perspective of a holistic user experience (Holistic UX), where mobility devices are connected to smartphones under one operating system and a vast amount of mobility data and AI technology can understand user intent so that all experiences are naturally connected.
Mobility Engineering and Tech Acceleration (META) Tech Unit to drive product innovation through next-generation platforms and technology development
META Tech Unit is an organization designed to lead the development of innovative next-generation products. The division consists of the Mobility Tech Center, Vehicle Performance Tech Center, Vehicle Architecture Development Center and Materials Research & Engineering Center, which consolidate the previously decentralized organizations that promote advanced technologies and basic performance in the areas of electrification, chassis and body.
The new Mobility Tech Center will be responsible for the development of future innovative technologies and mobility concepts as well as securing next-generation architecture technologies. The also newly established Vehicle Performance Tech Center will be responsible for the mass application of outstanding technologies for high-performance vehicles as well as the proactive research and improvement of basic vehicle performance.
The Vehicle Architecture Development Center has significantly strengthened its functions for architecture-based development, with areas such as development cost and virtual development also being integrated under the Center
Hyundai Motor and Kia are expected to increase the completeness and speed of the architecture development process while improving profitability.
Also, the replacement of the Vehicle Architecture Development Center under the META Tech Unit, is significant in that it creates a development environment where next-generation technologies and basic performance can be seamlessly transferred to mass-produced vehicles while inheriting the modular architecture development system.
The Materials Research and Engineering Center, which was previously an independent organization of R&D, has been able to collaborate with other R&D organizations working on innovative products.
Independent R&D and Design Centers to enhance competitiveness through independent research and organic collaboration
Hyundai and Kia have maintained an independent R&D structure for Design Centers and business units, such as commercial vehicles, batteries, robotics and hydrogen fuel cells, except passenger vehicles. These businesses have been placed under the direct supervision of the new CTO.
These Tech Units and Centers will operate independently, conducting research and development in their respective fields while also nurturing organic collaboration with other departments as needed, with the aim of enhancing competitiveness.
Revamped R&D organization paves the way for strengthening technology leadership in the future automotive industry
In 2003, Hyundai Motor and Kia established an integrated division that brought together R&D functions that had previously been spread separately across the country to improve its R&D capability. In the mid-2000s, when sales volumes accelerated rapidly, Hyundai Motor and Kia reshuffled the organization into a platform-based structure by vehicle type and class to better segment the development of a diverse product lineup, including global strategic vehicles.
The companies also carried out continuous organizational restructuring in 2012. The Division reorganized with the goal of strengthening basic vehicle performance and customer-centric values. In 2019, the companies established an architecture-based system structure to secure technological competitiveness.
Likewise, Hyundai Motor and Kia have continuously revamped their R&D Division to strengthen their technology leadership, which has become increasingly recognized by media and other organizations in the new EV era. The R&D organizational changes are expected to further enhance the companies’ position in the future automotive industry and accelerate their progression into smart and sustainable mobility solution providers.