Skip to main content
Automotive semiconductors and sensors from Bosch

Automotive semiconductors

What are automotive semiconductors?

Automotive semiconductors are integrated circuits, sensors and discrete semiconductor devices specifically designed and qualified for use in vehicle systems. These components must meet stringent automotive standards for temperature range, vibration resistance, electromagnetic compatibility, and functional safety. Unlike consumer electronics semiconductors, automotive semiconductors undergo extended qualification processes and are designed for operational lifetimes exceeding 15 years in harsh environmental conditions.

Where are automotive semiconductors used?

Automotive semiconductors enable core vehicle functions across powertrain, chassis, body, and infotainment systems. Power semiconductors manage energy conversion in electric vehicle traction inverters, DC-DC converters, and onboard chargers. Microcontrollers process data from engine management systems, transmission controls, and safety-critical functions like airbag deployment and anti-lock braking systems.

Sensor semiconductors (e.g. MEMS sensors) provide environmental awareness through accelerometers, gyroscopes, pressure sensors, and ultrasonic sensors for parking assistance.

Communication semiconductors enable vehicle-to-vehicle connectivity, infotainment systems, and over-the-air software updates. Advanced driver assistance systems rely on radar system-on-chips, camera processors, and LiDAR interface circuits for collision avoidance and autonomous driving capabilities.

The electrification trend drives demand for silicon carbide power devices in high-voltage applications, while connectivity requirements increase adoption of 5G modems and wireless communication chips throughout vehicle architectures.

How do automotive semiconductors compare to consumer semiconductors?

Automotive semiconductors differ fundamentally from consumer semiconductors in qualification requirements and operational specifications. Consumer semiconductors prioritize cost optimization and rapid time-to-market, while automotive semiconductors emphasize reliability and safety compliance.

Attribute Automotive Semiconductors Consumer Semiconductors
Attribute
Temperature Range
Automotive Semiconductors
-40°C to +150°C (AEC-Q100)
Consumer Semiconductors
0°C to +70°C (commercial)
Attribute
Qualification Time
Automotive Semiconductors
18-36 months
Consumer Semiconductors
6-12 months
Attribute
Expected Lifetime
Automotive Semiconductors
15+ years
Consumer Semiconductors
2-5 years
Attribute
Safety Standards
Automotive Semiconductors
ISO 26262 (ASIL ratings)
Consumer Semiconductors
Basic EMC compliance

Automotive qualification processes include extended temperature cycling, mechanical stress testing, and electromagnetic interference validation. The longer development cycles reflect the safety-critical nature of vehicle systems and the need for zero-defect reliability in mass production.

How is Bosch positioned in automotive semiconductors?

Bosch manufactures semiconductors and sensors specifically for automotive applications, with fabrication facilities and design capabilities focused among others on vehicle electrification, airbag, Braking / steering, and advanced driver assistance systems. The company produces MEMS sensors including accelerometers and gyroscopes for vehicle dynamics control, along with ultrasonic sensor chipsets for parking assistance applications.

In power semiconductors, Bosch develops silicon carbide MOSFETs and power modules for electric vehicle traction inverters and charging systems. The company also manufactures integrated circuits. Bosch operates MEMS foundry services and maintains automotive-qualified manufacturing processes to support both internal development and external customers requiring automotive-grade semiconductor solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are automotive semiconductors?

Automotive semiconductors are integrated circuits, sensors and discrete devices engineered to meet automotive industry standards for temperature, vibration, and electromagnetic compatibility. They undergo extended qualification processes and must operate reliably for vehicle lifetimes exceeding 15 years. These components enable everything from engine control to advanced safety systems.

Which semiconductor categories are used in vehicles?

Vehicles use power semiconductors for energy conversion, microcontrollers for system control, sensors for internal and environmental monitoring, and communication chips for connectivity. Power devices include MOSFETs and IGBTs in traction inverters. Sensor semiconductors encompass among others MEMS accelerometers, pressure sensors, and radar chips. Central processing units handle infotainment and autonomous driving computations. Memory chips are used in many applications.

What requirements apply to automotive semiconductors?

Automotive semiconductors must meet AEC-Q100 qualification standards including operation from -40°C to +150°C, resistance to mechanical vibration and shock, and electromagnetic compatibility. ISO 26262 functional safety standards apply to safety-critical applications with ASIL ratings defining fault tolerance requirements. Extended qualification testing typically requires 18-36 months before production approval.

How do automotive lifecycles differ from consumer electronics?

Automotive semiconductor lifecycles span 15+ years compared to 2-5 years for consumer products. Vehicle manufacturers require guaranteed supply availability throughout model production runs and aftermarket support periods. Design changes undergo extensive requalification processes, making automotive semiconductors more robust but slower to adopt new technologies than consumer electronics.

What trends drive automotive semiconductor demand?

Electric vehicle adoption drives demand for silicon carbide power semiconductors and battery management systems. Advanced driver assistance systems require radar processors, camera interfaces, and sensor fusion chips. Software-defined vehicles increase processing requirements and need more connectivity semiconductors. Vehicle electrification, autonomous driving development, and over-the-air update capabilities represent the primary growth drivers for automotive semiconductor content.

This might also interest you