Computers, laptops, iPhones, and even electric cars can all function because of the invention and advancements of semiconductors. The beauty of these devices is that they enable products to do so much more while taking up less room, a feat that was not possible before. Here, we will explore how semiconductors helped advance the auto industry, including their role in reducing emissions, supporting connected vehicle technology, and improving driving performance.
1- Increased Safety
One of the top driving causes of accidents is human error. Over time, vehicles have gotten more and more sophisticated, but humans have yet to. Semiconductors are one-way engineers can go back and ensure that vehicles function properly. They take apart the car and test each component individually to accomplish this task. Using this method, they can make sure that every part is working properly, and if it isn’t, then they can replace it or correct the part so that it will operate safely.
2- Better Connectivity
Internal combustion engines have been around for a long time, but soon drivers will be able to connect with their vehicles in a new way. Thanks to the advent of semiconductors, cars can now communicate with other vehicles and the road infrastructure. For example, if one car’s brakes stop working, the adjacent cars can send a signal that will alert the driver to this situation to avoid it. If the driver doesn’t correct the problem, he will eventually be warned again, and finally, his car can take over if the driver does not respond.
3- Advanced Driving Assistance
Driving can be a scary experience, especially for those of us who are not very familiar with all of the technology put into our vehicles. However, there is a great deal of technology at our disposal that we can use to make driving safer and more efficient. These technologies include active cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic braking systems. Each of these has one thing in common; they are all powered by semiconductors.
4- Electrifying Vehicles
One of the drivers’ biggest concerns today is how much money they will have to spend on fuel. Luckily, there is a new trend where electric and hybrid vehicles are becoming more popular. These drivers benefit from increased gas mileage and the occasional fill-up that doesn’t cost much. With semiconductors at each vehicle’s center, they can function while using far less power than combustion engines, making them more efficient again and saving you money in the long run.
5- Increasing Growth of AVs
In the next few years, due to semiconductors, Americans will have access to self-driving vehicles. There are multiple ways that they can be applied, including in remote control applications and GPS technology. In each case, these components help the car to relay information back and forth while guiding it through different road conditions. This is a huge leap forward for all drivers, as once we have accepted these types of vehicles as safe and reliable, we may start seeing them more frequently on the roads around us.
Automotive technology has been advancing at a rapid pace in recent years. From the introduction of autonomous vehicles to advanced driving assistance and connectivity between cars, semiconductors are now playing a major role in improving the efficiency of every vehicle on the road today.