[Editor’s Note] As the automobile industry rapidly becomes digitalized, user experience (UX) is becoming a key element of vehicle design. Automotive User Experience (UX) is a concept that optimizes the way drivers and passengers receive information and interact with the vehicle. While existing UI (user interface) design focused on operating vehicle functions through buttons, screens, and menus, UX focuses on creating a more intuitive and convenient driving environment by having the vehicle actively provide information. With the advancement of autonomous driving, electric vehicles (EVs), and connected cars, the interior of a vehicle is changing from a simple interface to an environment where drivers can intuitively interact with the vehicle, and the key technology that makes this possible is high-performance embedded semiconductors. Accordingly, this magazine examines embedded semiconductor technology, a key technology that implements automotive UX.

■ Core embedded semiconductor technology that implements automotive UX

The goal of automotive UX is for the vehicle to actively provide information and for the driver to naturally accept it. This requires high-performance semiconductors capable of real-time data processing, AI-based analysis, and high-speed communication.

To achieve this, automobiles will be equipped with ARM-based SoCs (System-on-Chips), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), neural processors (NPUs) to implement AI-based interfaces, and deep learning accelerators.

Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and others are using AI-specific chipsets to support autonomous driving and customized UX.

In addition, as automotive interior displays become larger and require higher resolution, the role of high-performance display driver semiconductors is becoming more important.

Recently, LG Electronics collaborated with MediaTek to unveil a next-generation infotainment (IVI) solution, which allows passengers to enjoy different content on multiple displays within the vehicle.

Key semiconductor elements for implementing automotive UX include: △Application of display driver ICs that support OLED and Micro-LED panels △The latest HUD (head-up display) system uses DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) technology to perform precise image projection △AR HUD (augmented reality head-up display) technology requires GPUs and processors capable of real-time data processing and high-speed rendering.

■ AI semiconductors for voice commands and gesture control

AI-based signal processing semiconductors are essential to perform voice commands and gesture controls naturally.

This requires the application of AI chips that support natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning algorithms, as well as the development of a touchless gesture interface utilizing 3D LiDAR and ultrasonic sensor processors.

Pressure sensor and ultrasonic sensor drivers for implementing haptic feedbackThe role of should also be expanded.

■ Real-time data processing and communication semiconductors in vehicles

For the UX system to operate smoothly, high-speed communication and edge computing semiconductors capable of real-time data processing are required.

The in-vehicle network transmits data at high speeds via automotive Ethernet and CAN FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate) chips, while 5G and Wi-Fi SoCs supporting V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) communications connect vehicles to external infrastructure.

Edge computing semiconductors that provide real-time AI analysis and user-customized functions are also being applied.

■ Automotive semiconductor companies are fiercely developing UX-related technologies

Major semiconductor companies supporting automotive UX technology are playing a key role in improving in-vehicle computing performance and implementing real-time data processing and AI-based UX.

Major companies include Infineon Technologies, STMicroelectronics, Texas Instruments (TI), Microchip, NXP, and Renesas.

These companies are actively engaged in the following areas: △providing in-vehicle power management, ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), and vehicle network solutions; △providing microcontroller and sensor solutions for digital instrument panels and infotainment systems; △developing vehicle semiconductors using high-speed data processing and sensor technology; △providing automobile network and security technology; △developing high-performance MCUs and vehicle processors; and △improving UX by utilizing AI-based data analysis and sensor technology.

>■ Embedded developers are the key to unlocking the future of automotive UX

Embedded developers play a critical role in making automotive UX a reality.

As UX goes beyond simple design elements and is directly related to safety, developers must perform real-time data processing, security, and optimized interface design using high-performance semiconductors.

Embedded developers are responsible for RTOS-based development because automotive UX systems must respond in real time, and for designing optimized firmware and middleware to maximize semiconductor hardware performance.

Additionally, the company is responsible for developing AI systems in vehicles to learn the driver's habits and provide a customized driving environment, as well as data protection through encryption and intrusion detection systems (IDS) and support for over-the-air (OTA) updates.

■ Semiconductors are the key to the future of automotive UX

Automotive UX is no longer simply a convenience feature; it is positioned as a technology that creates an emotional connection between the driver and the vehicle.

It is expected that AI-based customized UX will learn the driver's habits and provide an optimized environment, and the technology that allows drivers to control vehicle functions without directly operating the screen through gesture and touchless control is expected to spread.

In addition, V2X communication technology will become widespread to share information in real time between vehicles, roads, and other vehicles.

Embedded developers must keep pace with these changes by continuously developing real-time data processing, AI-based UX implementation, security, and cloud connectivity technologies using high-performance semiconductors.

Automotive UX will become the most important element in new car development in the future, and high-performance semiconductor technology will be at the center of it.Tea experts are watching.