[Editor's Note] The latest automobiles are rapidly increasing their electronic components, including advanced autonomous driving features, large displays, sensors, and various auxiliary devices. In particular, the shift from engines to motors in powertrains and the acceleration of electrification have made it increasingly necessary to consider the impact of electromagnetic waves generated by these electronic components. The future expansion of autonomous driving is expected to lead to a complex data flow beyond in-vehicle communication, encompassing communication between vehicles and external devices, and between vehicles. This development can lead to issues such as electromagnetic interference between individual electronic components, and the constant risk of accidents related to electromagnetic waves, the nature of which is currently unknown. Therefore, we spoke to Yeon Gyu-bong, a senior researcher at the AI Semiconductor Research Center and an automotive semiconductor expert, about the impact of electromagnetic waves on automotive electronic components and the key considerations for product design.

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

The AI Semiconductor Research Center conducts research on semiconductors used in 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.

■ The recent spread of autonomous driving technology has led to an increase in in-vehicle semiconductors and device-to-device communication. What research is being conducted?

Autonomous driving technology is expected to evolve beyond the AI domain electronic controller and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) control, focusing on intelligent sensor-based technology. This advancement is not optional but essential. For intelligent sensors, I'm currently working on a project to develop radar and lidar sensors. Furthermore, for semiconductor technology development, I'm working on a project to develop system semiconductors that can meet ASIL and security requirements for automotive cockpits, and an AI system semiconductor for autonomous valet parking.

As the number of electronic devices increases, concerns are growing about the potential for electromagnetic interference between devices. Is there a risk of device failure due to electromagnetic waves? Furthermore, are there differences in the electromagnetic waves experienced by electric and internal combustion engine vehicles?

Automotive companies strive to manufacture highly reliable products. However, unforeseen potential defects can manifest themselves through various channels, potentially leading 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 have increased use of batteries and motors related to electromagnetic waves, and the applied voltage and current have also increased significantly, making them more sensitive to the possibility of defects caused by electromagnetic waves.

■ What are the design considerations for automobile parts to reduce electromagnetic waves?

There are two main 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 numerous communications will occur even in very short periods of time, including between devices within the car and between the car and surrounding objects. What are the possibilities for interference during these communication processes, and what technologies are available to prevent it?

Automotive communication technology is basically comprised of reliable wired network technology.

Recently, wireless communication technology has been applied to numerous products, and their quantity is increasing. Compared to traditional wired communication, wireless communication is relatively vulnerable to interference.

Therefore, technically, numerous technologies, including wireless modulation, filtering, and polarization, are being developed. Additionally, many communication technologies are being developed to address vehicle security issues.

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

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

Therefore, automotive electrical components must ensure 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 automotive technology have been domestically produced, automotive semiconductors still have a high dependence on foreign countries.

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

Although it is insufficient, I ask for your continued support so that we can successfully localize automobile technology.

thank you