Socionext Inc. announced its new venture into developing custom System on Chips (SoCs) tailored for advanced ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and AD (Autonomous Driving). This development leverages the state-of-the-art N3A, TSMC’s 3nm automotive process technology. The targeted production year for these SoCs is 2026.
Why It Matters
The automotive industry’s shift towards EVs (Electric Vehicles) and higher levels of automation calls for tech innovations that can meet demanding computational needs without sacrificing battery life or driving range. Socionext’s push into next-generation SoC technology taps into this demand, providing cutting-edge solutions for OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) in the automotive sector.
Key Points
- TSMC’s 3nm Capabilities: The 3nm technology allows for large-scale production and showcases noteworthy advancements in power, performance, and area (PPA). Notably, the N3E process offers:
- An 18% speed boost at consistent power.
- A 32% reduction in power at the same speed.
- A 60% surge in logic density when set against N5.
- Socionext’s Offerings: The SoCs, being crafted by Socionext, are tailored for advanced driving systems, offering unparalleled performance with minimal power usage. Additionally, Socionext has leveraged TSMC’s N3A process technology and its expertise in automotive safety and quality standards like ISO26262, AEC-Q100, and IATF-16949.
- Executives Speak: Hisato Yoshida of Socionext emphasized the firm’s tradition of utilizing TSMC’s avant-garde process technologies. Dr. Cliff Hou from TSMC highlighted Socionext’s track record as an early adopter of cutting-edge automotive tech solutions.
Bottom Line
Socionext is positioning itself as a front-runner in the race to develop advanced automotive-grade products. By harnessing the early release of the N3A process, termed N3AE, and maintaining a tight-knit collaboration with TSMC, Socionext seeks to spearhead the delivery of high-performance, energy-efficient automotive solutions built on the most progressive N3A tech.
