ROHM Semiconductor and China’s SoC manufacturer for smart cockpits Nanjing SemiDrive Technology Ltd. have jointly developed a smart cockpit reference design. Accordingly, the design harnesses SemiDrive’s X9M and X9E automotive SoCs and includes PMICs, SerDes ICs, LED driver IC, and other components from ROHM.

A reference board based on this design is also available, consisting of three boards: the Core Board, the SerDes Board, and the Display Board.

Recently, the proliferation of smart cockpits and ADAS in vehicles has increased the demand for automotive electronics and components. Moreover, the performance of PMICs and SerDes ICs, which are at the heart of electronic systems in vehicles, has a direct impact on the stability and efficiency of the entire system.

For that reason, ROHM PMICs and SerDes ICs achieve a high level of integration in power supply blocks, while supporting increased stability during high-speed data transmission.

Expands Lineup

ROHM and SemiDrive have been exchanging technologies since 2019. Particularly, in the development of applications for vehicle cockpits. In 2022, the companies entered into a strategic partnership for development of advanced technologies in the automotive sector. This resulted in ROHM components, such as PMICs and SerDes ICs, being integrated into the reference board for SemiDrive’s X9H In-Vehicle SoC. The reference board has since been adopted by a number of automakers. Specifically, it provides advanced functionality for cockpits and other vehicle applications.

Now, ROHM and SemiDrive have collaborated on the development of the REF66004 reference design featuring the vehicle-mounted SoCs X9M and X9E. As such, the REF66004 is likely to expand further the application line-up, including in popular mass-market models.

In addition, ROHM also provides the BD96801Q12-C SoC PMIC and BD9SA01F80-C buck converter IC for driving the SoC. As well as the BD39031MUF-C general-purpose PMIC for ADAS that supplies power to the SerDes IC. This solution supports operation of up to three display projections and four ADAS cameras (surround-view camera).
Going forward, ROHM will continue to develop products for car infotainment systems that contribute to improving automotive safety and comfort.

Continuing Collaboraton

Zhang Qiang, Chairman, Nanjing SemiDrive Technology Ltd., said, “As vehicles become increasingly smart, so too does the demand for car electronics and components. SemiDrive focuses on providing core components, such as automotive SoCs and controllers, for next-generation automotive Electrical/Electronic architectures.”

Moreover,  Qiang said, “Partnering with ROHM, which offers a rich portfolio of semiconductors for ADAS and cockpits, will greatly contribute to achieving next-generation cockpit solutions. In particular, ROHM SerDes ICs and PMICs, which leverage original analog technology, are key components in our reference design. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with ROHM to provide innovative solutions in a wide range of automotive fields.”

Meanwhile, Tetsuo Tateishi, Member of the Board at ROHM said, “As ADAS evolves and cockpits become more multifunctional, the role of automotive analog semiconductors, such as SerDes ICs and PMICs, is becoming increasingly important. At the same time, the new PMIC provided by ROHM for SoCs represents a novel concept in power ICs that can flexibly adapt to next-generation automotive power system configurations.”

In addition, Tateishi said, “Going forward, we will continue to deepen our partnership with SemiDrive to increase our understanding of next-generation cockpits and accelerate the development of a wide range of products. Thus, contributing to further evolution in the automotive sector.”

Tateishi is also ROHM’s Senior Corporate Officer, in Charge of Research and Development, IT, Legal and Intellectual Property, and LSI Business.

24 May 2024