In a pioneering collaboration, the prominent semiconductor company STMicroelectronics (ST) and tech titan Samsung have partnered to create the inaugural 18nm FD-SOI (Fully Depleted Silicon-On-Insulator) microcontroller unit (MCU) explicitly tailored for the automotive industry.
Based on Samsung’s 18nm FD-SOI process technology, the new MCU is poised to revolutionize the automotive sector by delivering superior performance, energy efficiency, and security to the next generation of smart vehicles.
This partnership underscores the dedication of both companies to driving innovation and meeting the growing demand for high-performance, low-power, and secure solutions within the automotive sector.
Samsung Electronics’ 18nm FD-SOI process technology has been optimised for low-power, high-performance applications, rendering it an ideal fit for the demands of the automotive industry.
According to Ricardo De Sa Earp, Executive Vice President of the Microcontrollers, Memory & Secure MCU Division within the Microcontrollers and Digital ICs Group at STMicroelectronics, “Building on multiple successful design achievements with our 28nm FD-SOI, 40nm BCD, and 90nm technologies, we are delighted to leverage Samsung’s 18nm FD-SOI process to further advance energy efficiency for automotive applications.”
It is anticipated that the MCU developed through this collaboration will offer substantial benefits in terms of power consumption and performance, empowering next-generation smart vehicles to meet rigorous requirements for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Furthermore, the new MCU will integrate advanced security attributes to safeguard vehicle systems against cyber threats, ensuring the safety and integrity of connected vehicles.
The automotive industry’s escalating emphasis on electrification, connectivity, and autonomy has fuelled the need for innovative semiconductor solutions capable of delivering high performance while minimising power consumption.
By harnessing Samsung’s state-of-the-art 18nm FD-SOI process technology, STMicroelectronics aims to supply automotive manufacturers with a transformative solution that addresses the evolving demands of the automotive market.
As the global automotive industry transitions towards electric and autonomous vehicles, the demand for advanced semiconductor solutions is anticipated to escalate, presenting significant opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
The collaboration between STMicroelectronics and Samsung underscores the significance of crafting tailored solutions for the automotive industry, positioning both companies as pivotal players in propelling the evolution of smart mobility.
In conclusion, the collaboration between STMicroelectronics and Samsung to develop the first 18nm FD-SOI MCU for the automotive market signifies a momentous stride in advancing semiconductor technology for smart vehicles. With a focus on energy efficiency, performance, and security, the new MCU is poised to redefine the future of automotive electronics, contributing to the development of safer, more sustainable, and intelligent vehicles.