Hyundai Motor is reportedly designing auto semiconductors based on the 5nm process, aiming to ensure a stable supply of advanced chips in the Software Defined Vehicles (SDV) era. Attention is also drawn towards relevant wafer foundries and other supply partners.
According to ZD Net Korea, Hyundai plans to utilize the 5nmr advanced process to develop chips for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), supporting the advancement of SDV initiatives. Previously, in June 2023, Hyundai established a semiconductor research lab and recruited a former Samsung official responsible for developing the automotive SoC series Exynos Auto.
SDV represents a future innovative area where vehicles are controlled through software, impacting driving efficiency, convenience, and safety. Hyundai previously announced plans to introduce online software update technology to all models by 2025, gradually transitioning to SDV.
Hyundai is reportedly engaging with selected Design Solution Providers (DSP), and it's anticipated that the automaker will collaborate with either Samsung or TSMC. Notably, both Samsung and TSMC plan to commence mass production of auto semiconductors using processes below 4nm from 2024 onwards, thus it is not ruled out that Hyundai Motor might pursue chip development using even more advanced processes.
Regarding these speculations, individuals from Hyundai stated that discussions on vehicle semiconductor development are ongoing, but no decisions have been made yet.
It's noted in the industry that in the past, Hyundai Motor primarily relied on Tier 1 suppliers for automotive semiconductors. However, it is now directly investing in independent research and development to ensure a stable supply of advanced chips. Particularly, with the semiconductor supply shortage experienced 2 to 3 years ago impacting major automakers, the importance of semiconductor self-sufficiency has been emphasized.
Apart from in-house development, Hyundai Motor is actively incorporating domestic vehicle semiconductors. Starting in 2025, they will source Samsung's In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) chip Exynos Auto V920, and they have invested in South Korean automotive semiconductor design startup BOS Semiconductors, commissioning the development of high-performance NPU SoCs for ADAS.
