An ever-increasing range of leading-edge technologies emerging into the automotive semiconductors market makes it one of the most exciting and dynamic manufacturing sectors in the world. The amount of automotive electronics being designed into the modern car has grown tremendously over the years. Currently, around 90% of innovation in new cars are electronic based, with global industry analysts forecasting that by 2010 electronic content will account for 40% of the cost of a typical mid-sized car. The automotive semiconductor market will be robust for years to come.
Over the coming years, the automotive industry will see the introduction of new products in the areas of advanced lighting and night vision, as well as technologies to help vehicle manufacturers comply with increasingly stringent fuel economy, environmental, and safety standards. Car makers, in particular, have to keep up with each other in offering the latest electronic systems that make cars both better performers and more entertaining for the drivers and passengers. Constant innovation in atumotive ICs, coupled with customer demand and expectations, will continue to drive the market forwards, making automotive electronics a highly lucrative business sector for semiconductor solutions providers.
by Sergio Fissore, Fairchild Semiconductor Corp. Power electronics packaging is experiencing new trends as a result of the needs of high power applications, with automotive market being a strong driver.
