Focus on fuel efficiency, connectivity, and user experience
Supplying a wide range of products from Ethernet to HMI

Microchip Technology, a semiconductor company known for its microcontrollers (MCUs), announced that it is strengthening its automotive presence. Over the past several years, Microchip has been steadily acquiring and acquiring businesses in areas such as networking, touch displays, LED lighting, and ADAS.

“Automotive accounts for 25 percent of Microchip’s total revenue, second only to industrial,” said Willie Fitzgerald, marketing director for Microchip’s Automotive Products Group. “It ranks eighth in the overall automotive semiconductor market.”

Microchip explained that as part of its strategy to grow its automotive business, it acquired SMSC in 2012 to secure Ethernet and wireless audio technology, and acquired EqcoLogic in 2013 to secure equalizer and coaxial transceiver technology. It also acquired Atmel in 2016 to secure MCU, wireless, and automotive security technology.

Microchip offers a wide range of automotive products. The ever-increasing number of in-vehicle ECUs is driving application complexity and the need for increased communication and bandwidth. Therefore, Microchip is focusing on Ethernet.

Director Wally Fitzgerald summarized three trends in the automotive industry. First, he noted the increasing use of various electronic devices to improve fuel efficiency. He stated, "As the number of ECUs in vehicles increases, connectivity between them is becoming increasingly important. “Encryption is essential because of the risk of hacking,” he said, adding that “security will become the core of connected cars within the next five to ten years.”

The final trend cited was user experience. As customers increasingly access a variety of devices, including smartphones and tablets, they want to enjoy the experience of using those devices in their cars. Microchip stated that it is continuously investing in touch display technologies, including capacitive touch and haptic technology.

More than 50 million vehicles are currently equipped with Microchip's maXTouch user interface technology. The technology works even with gloves on and in humid environments, and can be used on touchscreens ranging from small to 20 inches.

In addition, we supply a variety of products, including LED lighting technology, ADAS systems, MEMS oscillators, camera modules, access control systems, body control, and motor control.

“Microchip has a broad portfolio that allows us to support product cycles,” said Wally Fitzgerald, director of Microchip, adding that the company has the ability to advance vehicle electrification. “We provide products that our customers want without discontinuing them, even if they are out of production.”