Established "Advanced SoC Research for Automotive" with 12 companies, led by automotive manufacturers

December 28, 2023 -- Twelve companies, automotive, electrical component, and semiconductor companies established the "Advanced SoC Research for Automotive" (ASRA) on December 1st to conduct research and develop high-performance digital semiconductors (System on Chip, SoC) for use in automobiles. ASRA will research and develop SoCs for automobiles using chiplet technology to install SoC in mass-production vehicles from 2030 onward.

[Participating Companies] (in alphabetical order)

Automotive Manufacturers:

Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Mazda Motor Corporation,
Nissan Motor Corporation, SUBARU Corporation,
Toyota Motor Corporation

Electrical Component Manufacturers:

DENSO CORPORATION,
Panasonic Automotive Systems Co., Ltd.

Semiconductor Companies:

Cadence Design Systems, Japan,
MIRISE Technologies Corporation,
Renesas Electronics Corporation,
Socionext Inc., Synopsys Japan

Approximately 1,000 semiconductors are used in each automobile, and the types vary depending on the application. Among them, SoCs are essential semiconductors for autonomous driving technology and multimedia systems in automobiles, which require state-of-the-art semiconductor technology to achieve advanced computing power. 

Examples of Semiconductors Used in Cars

ASRA will pursue the high level of safety and reliability required for automobiles by having automakers play a central role. Also, by bringing together the technological and experiential knowledge of electrical components and semiconductor companies, ASRA will aim to apply cutting-edge technologies practically. Specifically, ASRA plans to research and develop SoCs for automobiles using chiplet technology and combining different semiconductor types.

[Advantages of Chiplet Technology]

(1) Higher performance and multifunctionality
(2) Higher yield chips
(3) Timely commercialization of SoCs with functions and performance optimized for end-user (automotive companies) requirements

Image of Chiplet Technology

ASRA aims to establish in-vehicle chiplet technology by 2028 and to install SoCs in mass-produced vehicles from 2030 onward. By combining Japan's technological capabilities and experience in automotive, electrical components, and semiconductors, ASRA will work with industry, government, and academia to promote domestic and international collaboration as a world-leading technology research group.

Outline of Advanced SoC Research for Automotive