[Editor's Note] The latest automobiles are rapidly increasing in electronic components, including advanced autonomous driving functions, large displays, sensors, and various auxiliary devices. In particular, the drive system is changing from engines to motors, and the trend toward electrification of automobiles is accelerating. Accordingly, the influence of electromagnetic waves generated by electronic components cannot be ignored. In particular, the spread of autonomous driving in the future is expected to lead to countless complex data flows, such as communication between vehicles and external devices and between vehicles, beyond in-vehicle communication. Such developments can cause problems such as electromagnetic interference between each electronic component, and there is always a risk of accidents related to electromagnetic waves that are not yet accurately identified. Accordingly, our magazine held an opportunity to hear from Yeon Gyu-bong, head of the AI Semiconductor Research Center and an expert in automotive semiconductors, about the influence of electromagnetic waves on automotive electronic components and what to keep in mind when designing electronic products.

■ The AI Semiconductor Research Center of the Korea Automobile Research Institute

The AI Semiconductor Research Center conducts research on semiconductors applied to automobiles, including self-driving cars and electric vehicles. Additionally, we are contributing to the advancement of automotive semiconductor technology by developing system semiconductor technology that applies artificial intelligence technology.

■ Due to the recent spread of autonomous driving technology, the number of semiconductors related to vehicles and communication between devices is increasing. What kind of research are you doing?

In autonomous driving technology, it is expected that technological development beyond the level of controlling the vehicle itself with an AI domain electronic controller centered on intelligent sensor-based technology and V2X is not an option but a necessity. As for intelligent sensors, I am working on a radar and lidar sensor technology development project. In addition, as for semiconductor technology development, I am working on a system semiconductor project that can satisfy ASIL and security for automobile cockpits and an AI system semiconductor project for autonomous valet parking.

■ As the number of electric vehicles increases, concerns are raised about the influence of electromagnetic waves between devices. Is there a possibility that devices may malfunction due to electromagnetic waves? Also, is there a difference in the electromagnetic waves of electric vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles?

Automotive companies strive to manufacture highly reliable products. On the other hand, there is a possibility that unpredictable latent defects can occur through various paths and lead to serious failures.

In particular, with regard to electromagnetic waves, we develop and manufacture products in compliance with international standards such as ISO and IEC, as well as the upgraded standards of each OEM. As the proportion of electric vehicle production is increasing, additional electromagnetic wave-related standards are continuously being proposed.

Basically, compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles are more sensitive to the possibility of defects caused by electromagnetic waves because the application of batteries and motors related to electromagnetic waves has increased and the applied voltage and current have also increased significantly.

■ What are the design elements of automobile parts to reduce electromagnetic waves?

There are two major aspects to consider when it comes to electromagnetic waves for automobiles.

The first is to design and manufacture the development components themselves to reduce their electromagnetic radiation.

Secondly, it is designed and manufactured to ensure resistance to electromagnetic waves coming from outside.

Electromagnetic shielding is the second type and can be applied based on the skin effect, so it is being considered when developing automotive electrical components.

■ As autonomous driving evolves, it is predicted that a large number of communications will occur in a very short period of time, such as communications between devices inside the car and communications between cars and surrounding objects. What are the possibilities for confusion to occur during these communications processes and what technologies are available to prevent this?

Automotive communication technology is basically comprised of wired network technology that ensures reliability.

Recently, wireless communication technology products are being applied in many ways and their quantity is also increasing. Wireless communication is relatively vulnerable to interference compared to existing wired communication.

Therefore, technically, many technologies such as wireless modulation, filtering, and polarization are being applied and developed. Additionally, many communication technologies are being developed due to vehicle security issues.

■ It is expected that the electrification of vehicles and the proliferation of electrical components will accelerate in the future. If there are any points to keep in mind when developing battlefield parts,

Unlike general home appliances, automobiles are products that must ensure safety as they are directly related to human life.

Therefore, automotive electrical components must secure functional safety according to ISO 26262, which is required as an international standard.

In addition, technology development to ensure high reliability without problems even after long-term operation must be considered and integrated from the design stage.

■ A final word to the readers

Although many aspects of automobile technology have been domestically produced, automotive semiconductors are still heavily dependent on foreign countries.

Many people are working towards localization, but more technological development is needed.

Although it is insufficient, I ask for your support so that we can succeed in localizing automobile technology.

thank you