➀ Denso partners with Quadric to develop a neural processing unit (NPU) for automotive applications; ➁ Denso will acquire the IP core license for Quadric's Chimera GPNPU and co-develop IP for in-vehicle semiconductors; ➂ The Chimera GPNPU aims to provide lower power consumption than alternative GPU designs.
Recent #automotive news in the semiconductor industry
➀ Nexperia has partnered with Kostal to produce wide bandgap (WBG) devices for automotive applications. ➁ The collaboration focuses on SiC MOSFETs in TSC QDPAK packaging for EV onboard chargers. ➂ Nexperia will supply, develop, and manufacture the WBG power electronics devices, while Kostal will design-in and validate them.
➀ NOVOSENSE Microelectronics has launched a new series of high-side switches designed for automotive applications; ➁ These switches manage load currents ranging from 11 A to under 2 A with advanced diagnostics and protective functions; ➂ The switches are certified to AEC-Q100-012 level A for durability and reliability.
➀ Infineon Technologies AG has launched the MOTIX TLE9189 gate driver IC for 12V BLDC motors; ➁ The IC is designed for safety-critical applications and meets AEC Q100 Grade 0 and ISO 26262 (ASIL D) standards; ➂ It is suitable for brake-by-wire and steer-by-wire systems, enhancing vehicle safety.
➀ Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have developed new nanocomposite films from starch, offering a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based materials; ➁ The films are made from abundant natural polymer starch and highly conductive MXene, with potential applications in electronics and sensing; ➂ The nanocomposites can be tailored for various uses, including wearable technology and healthcare, and are biodegradable.
➀ Toshiba has collaborated with Mikroe to develop a platform for its TB9M003FG automotive three-phase motor control and driver IC. The IC is AEC-Q100 Grade 0 qualified and features a 32-bit 40MHz Arm Cortex-M0 CPU and a vector co-processor for sensorless vector control. It also includes gate-drivers for controlling external n-channel mosfets.➁ The board features AEC-Q101 qualified mosfets and all other components required to drive brushless dc or permanent magnet synchronous motors. It can be connected to external high-power inverter components for larger motors.➂ The board measures 130 x 73mm and includes switches and potentiometers for operational testing, as well as an on-board debug unit for testing and debugging the target device.
➀ Anessem and Corelink Integrated have recently announced their Q3 2024 earnings reports, highlighting the growth of their SiC businesses in the automotive sector.
➁ Anessem's automotive revenue increased by 5% year-on-year, driven by SiC and ADAS image sensor businesses.
➂ Corelink Integrated's power module installation volume exceeded 910,000 units, with a significant increase in revenue from new energy vehicle and consumer sectors.
➀ Novosense Microelectronics has announced a series of automotive-grade IC current sensors with 5kVrms isolation between the current path and sensing circuitry; ➁ The NSM211x series features a 1MHz -3dB bandwidth and 400ns response time; ➂ The sensors offer various packaging options and can handle continuous currents up to 100A.
➀ Littelfuse introduces the KSC DCT Series tactile switches with Dual Circuit Technology (DCT) for enhanced reliability and safety; ➁ The switches offer SPDT functionality in a compact package, with IP67 sealing and a lifespan of up to 300,000 cycles; ➂ The technology is suitable for automotive, medical, consumer, and industrial applications.
1. Ford's earnings are complicated by Rivian's impact and EVs, but the real issues are interest rate hikes and warranty costs; 2. Ford's significant EV losses are greatly overstated due to aggressive depreciation and valuation of $0 in internal transactions; 3. Ford Credit's earnings have been hit hard by higher interest rates, impacting the company's overall profitability; 4. Warranty and interest rate hikes are the main reasons for the decline in Ford's profitability since 2021; 5. The author continues to avoid Ford stock due to operational challenges and financial complexities.
1. Maintain a 'buy' recommendation for Tesla after the stock closed 22% higher following 3Q24 earnings; 2. GAAP gross margin exceeded expectations at 19.8%, marking the second consecutive margin expansion; 3. Management forecasts a 20%-30% increase in vehicle production and a significant increase in Cybercab production by 2026.
➀ TDK Corporation has launched the xEVCap, a modular DC link capacitor designed for powertrain inverters in various vehicles and machinery tools; ➁ The design offers scalability and modularity, allowing for different capacitance and current needs; ➂ The capacitor is compatible with wide-bandgap power semiconductors and operates within a wide temperature range.
1. Tesla's shares are up over 11% after strong Q3 earnings and production outlook; 2. CEO Elon Musk highlights record quarter and low car production costs; 3. Tesla plans to produce more affordable models in 2025 and increase production by 20%-30% next year.
➀ GlobalFoundries and NXP are collaborating to develop next-generation solutions for automotive, IoT, and smart mobile devices; ➁ The collaboration utilizes GlobalFoundries' 22FDX® process technology platform and manufacturing capabilities; ➂ The goal is to optimize power, performance, and efficiency for these markets.
➀ Raspberry Pi introduces the new AI HAT+ with two variants, 13 and 26 TOPS; ➁ The HAT+ is based on Hailo-8 neural network inference accelerators; ➂ The 26 TOPS variant is designed for larger networks and can run multiple networks simultaneously.
➀ Littelfuse introduces the RCMP20 Residual Current Monitor (RCM) Series for EV charging stations; ➁ The series features the largest current transformer aperture and enhanced thermal management; ➂ It supports high charging currents and comprehensive ground fault detection for safety.
➀ Wayve, a UK ADAS developer, has expanded its US operations with an office in Silicon Valley and a driver assistance testing programme in San Francisco and the Bay Area; ➁ This marks Wayve’s first on-road trials outside the UK and a significant step in developing AI software for global vehicle assistance features; ➂ The testing will help Wayve’s AI Driver product expand geographically, building a scalable driving software foundation for diverse conditions across multiple countries.
1. The author initially rated Rivian 'Sell' in 2021 and upgraded to 'Buy' in July 2024, acknowledging his early and incorrect assessment. 2. Rivian's Q2 2024 results showed significant gross profit losses and production disruptions, leading to a downgrade of future earnings estimates by Wall Street. 3. Despite a strong cash position from the VW deal, Rivian's continuous cash burn and deferred break-even projections raise concerns. The challenges in growth and profitability, along with increasing EV competition, make it difficult to maintain a bullish stance. The author downgrades to 'Hold' based on fundamentals not supporting a bullish stance.
➀ VeriSilicon's DW200-FS IP has obtained ISO 26262 ASIL B automotive functional safety certification; ➁ The certification was issued by TÜV NORD, an international inspection and certification institution; ➂ The IP utilizes advanced pixel mapping algorithms and cache-based data prefetch architecture for high efficiency.
1. Ford's stock has seen significant volatility, rising 176% post-pandemic before reversing and losing 63.32% by August 2024. 2. Despite earnings weaknesses, Ford's auto revenues beat estimates, and management raised free cash flow guidance, supporting its attractive 7.17% dividend yield. 3. Ford's valuation metrics are historically low, with a forward price-sales ratio of 0.246x and a forward price-earnings ratio of 5.858x, suggesting potential upside.