IC Chips in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) You Should Know

Image of ADAS source Car Blog India

Advanced driver Assistance Systems have greatly improved the driving experience from different angles.  

These systems help drivers perform different actions easily, and more efficiently.  Whether it is parking, navigation, changing lanes, cruise control, or any other set of actions, it is impossible to ignore the tremendous strides that ADAS has made in the automotive world.

One common feature of all ADAS features and applications is they are powered by electric energy. This is where the importance of semiconductor chips comes in.

To implement a single ADAS solution, a couple of electronic components have to be included in the circuit. Each component will perform a specific function so that at the end of the day you have a fully functional system that will perform a specific task.

In this article, we are going to discuss the roles of ICs in advanced driver assistance systems.  We will review the chips that are used and the specific roles that they play in the functioning and performance of a system. 

Overview of ADAS

To understand the roles of IC chips in ADA< it will be prudent to have a proper understanding of what this technology is.

We can define advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as electronic technologies that are curated to help drivers perform different sets of actions. They are digital solutions that are embedded in vehicles to make driving smooth and safer.

ADAS are both active and passive systems that are designed with safety in mind, They help to eliminate the possibility of human errors when driving vehicles.

ADAS is designed to improve the human-machine interface to increase the driver’s ability to adapt and react to various forms of potential hazards. For example, as a driver, you will be in a position to identify the potential risks in good time and make necessary reactions.

ADAS solutions come in different forms. Some are integrated directly into the vehicles, meaning that they are part of stock parts from the vehicle’s manufacturer. Others are aftermarket parts, meaning that car owners can get them from an open market and have the systems integrated into their vehicles.

How does ADAS work?

While there are different types of ADAS systems, all of them tend to have some similarities or connections in the way that they work.

For instance, all of them are based on the principle of electronics. They must be supplied with power from a source, and should also have a proper power management system.

Most ADAS rely on camera-based sensors which serve as data collectors. It is this data that will trigger actions on the vehicle.

Systems-on-a-chip (SoCs) are at the center of all the activities that entail data collection, processing, and execution in ADAS. They provide linkages between the sensors and the ECUs which are responsible for the processing and execution of the instructions. The instructions are then relayed to the actuators for the execution.

There are many other types of sensors other than the camera-based sensors. Most sensors are also based on semiconductor chips. Some are already programmed to operate and react in a particular way for the efficient execution of instructions.

In the age of AI and machine learning, we have smart ADAS. Artificial intelligence technology is used for driving autonomous cars. For this to be implemented special ICs are embedded with generative AI which eventually enhances the driving experience.

Which ICs are used in ADAS?

Here are some of the notable integrated circuits that are used in ADAS:

· Power ICs: ADAS rely on electric energy to run and perform their respective roles. This is made possible by power management ICs. They are used for managing power that is used for running different ADAS. They ensure that all the devices and components get the right current and voltage.

· Sensors: Different types of sensors are used in ADAS. They include image sensors, sonar sensors, lidar sensors, radar sensors, GPS sensors, and Lidar sensors, among others. All these sensors are embedded with integrated circuits.

· Microcontrollers and processors: The main function of microprocessors is to process data that has been collected from the sensors. Microprocessors are made of integrated circuits and are the main processing units in ADAS. Once they receive data from sensors, they process it and determine the actions that should be performed by actuators.

· Interface ICs:  These semiconductor chips in ADAS facilitate communication between different devices. Given that ADAS comprises several components, interface ICs ensure that there is a smooth exchange of data between all these devices and components.

These are just among the many other types of integrated circuits that are used on ADAS.  The choice of chip will always depend on the type and functionality of ADAS to be used. 

Common advanced driver assistance systems

There are different types of advanced driver assistance systems or applications.

These systems also differ in terms of features, specifications, and performance. Some ADAS  feature basic or standard features while others are equipped with advanced features.

Some of the most common solutions include:

· Adaptive cruise control

· Lane departure alert

· Forward collision alert

· Anti-lock braking systems

· Blind spot detection system

· Automatic emergency brake systems

· Parking assistance

· Navigation

· Driver monitoring system

· Traffic sign recognition

· Automotive Intelligence

· Collision avoidance system

With the steady growth and advancement of technology, we should be expecting more advanced ADAS solutions on vehicles.

Conclusion

From this article, it is clear that integrated circuits are the main drivers of all forms of ADAS. Whether it is signal processing or power management, IC chips are technically present in all these solutions.

Are you building an advanced driver assistance system? You will need to get the right semiconductor chip for the implementation of your project.

It all starts with defining the main function of ADAS and how it will work. From there, you will be in a perfect position to choose the right IC chips for the system.

Once you decide on the chips, the next step entails choosing the right semiconductor IC supplier. This is the surest way of ensuring that you get high-quality ICs for ADAS.

If you are planning to buy semiconductor chips in China, you should consider choosing ICRFQ.

We are a reputable supplier of electronic components. We stock all types of IC chips, including the ones for  ADAS.

Do not hesitate to contact us and place your orders and we will deliver regardless of your location.