A smart cockpit reference design has been collaboratively created by ROHM and Nanjing SemiDrive Technology. PMICs, SerDes ICs, LED driver ICs, and other parts from ROHM are included in the design, which is mostly based on SemiDrive’s X9M and X9E automotive SoCs. The CoreBoard, SerDes Board, and Display Board are the three boards that make up the reference board that is based on this architecture.
The demand for automotive electronics and components has surged recently due to the widespread use of ADAS and smart cockpits in automobiles. The stability and effectiveness of the overall system are directly impacted by the performance of PMICs and SerDes ICs, which are the brains behind automotive electronic systems. In this scenario, SerDes ICs and ROHM PMICs enable enhanced stability during high-speed data transmission while achieving a high degree of integration in power supply blocks.
Since 2019, ROHM and SemiDrive have been sharing technology, especially when it comes to creating solutions for car cockpits.
The two businesses formed a strategic alliance in 2022 with the goal of developing cutting-edge solutions for the automobile industry. As a result, the reference board for SemiDrive’s X9H In-Vehicle SoC now includes ROHM components including PMICs and SerDes ICs. Since then, several manufacturers have embraced the reference board to provide cutting-edge functionality for cockpits and other automotive applications.
This time around, ROHM and SemiDrive worked together to create the REF66004 reference design, which includes the SoCs X9M and X9E placed in vehicles. The REF66004 is so anticipated to increase application line-up even more, including in well-liked mass-market models.
ROHM offers the BD96801Q12-C SoC PMIC and BD9SA01F80-C buck converter IC for driving the SoC in addition to the SerDes IC used in the X9H reference board. The BD39031MUF-C general-purpose PMIC for ADAS delivers power to the SerDes IC. Up to three display projections and four ADAS cameras (Surround-view cameras) can be operated with this system.
ROHM will keep creating infotainment system products for automobiles that enhance comfort and safety in the vehicle, affirmed its official release.
Zhang Qiang, Chairman, Nanjing SemiDrive Technology Ltd.:
“As vehicles become increasingly smart, so too does the demand for car electronics and components. SemiDrive is focused on providing core components such as automotive SoCs and controllers for next-generation automotive E/E (Electrical/Electronic) architectures. Partnering with ROHM, which offers a rich portfolio of semiconductors for ADAS and cockpits, will greatly contribute to achieving next-generation cockpit solutions. In particular, ROHM SerDes ICs and PMICs which leverage original analog technology are key components in our reference design. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with ROHM to provide innovative solutions in a wide range of automotive fields.”
Tetsuo Tateishi, Member of the Board, Senior Corporate Officer, in charge of Research & Development, IT, Legal & Intellectual Property and LSI Business, ROHM Co., Ltd.
“We are pleased to have developed this reference design in collaboration with SemiDrive, a company with extensive experience in automotive SoCs. As ADAS evolves and cockpits become more multifunctional, the role of automotive analog semiconductors such as SerDes ICs and PMICs is becoming increasingly important. At the same time, the new PMIC provided by ROHM for SoCs represents a novel concept in power ICs that can flexibly adapt to next-generation automotive power system configurations. Going forward, we will continue to deepen our partnership with SemiDrive to increase our understanding of next-generation cockpits and accelerate the development of a wide range of products, contributing to further evolution in the automotive sector.”
REF66004 Reference Design Incorporating X9M, X9E, and ROHM Products
In this reference design, SerDes ICs (for display/camera), LVDS splitter IC, LED driver IC, ROHM PMICs for SoCs and ADAS, and SemiDrive’s X9M and X9E SoCs for smart cockpits are combined. You may find it on the ROHM website. The design provides a cockpit system that can operate four cameras and up to three screen projections.
Furthermore, by using internal memory (One Time Programmable Memory), ROHM’s innovative PMICs for SoC allow for arbitrary output voltage setting and sequence control, enabling flexible, highly efficient power supply that can be customized to meet circuit needs.
Based on this architecture, a reference board that can run several operating systems (OS) on a single SoC by utilizing SemiDrive’s special hardware virtualization capabilities is also offered separately upon request.
In addition, an operating system-to-SoC and GPU command transfer is made possible by a hardware security management module. It is possible to rapidly and without requiring circuit changes modify the application specs by changing out other SemiDrive SoCs with suitable pinouts.
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SemiDrive’s X9 Series of Automotive SoCs
SemiDrive’s X9 family of in-vehicle SoCs, which spans from entry-level to flagship models and supports a wide range of applications such as instrument clusters, automobile entertainment, cockpit domain control, and intelligent monitoring systems, has already shipped more than a million units.
In addition, a sufficient production system has been established through extensive mass production experience, to know more, CLICK HERE
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ROHM ‘s Reference Design Page
On their website, ROHM provides details on their reference design, REF66004, as well as information about their equipped products. Additionally available are REF66004-EVK-00x reference boards (REF66004-EVK-001/002/003).
For more information on reference boards, CLICK HERE
