NXP ramps up automotive processor production with TSMC technology

NXP Semiconductors, a provider in automotive processing, teamed up with TSMC to release NXP’s S32G2 vehicle network processor and the S32R294 radar processor. These products are now in volume production on TSMC’s advanced 16 nanometer (nm) FinFET process technology.

This marks the migration of NXP’s S32 family of processors to increasingly advanced process nodes as automobiles continue to evolve into powerful computing platforms.

NXP’s continued innovation in the S32 family is designed to help carmakers simplify vehicle architecture and deliver the fully connected and configurable car of tomorrow.

“NXP’s release of 16nm processors for radar and vehicle networking is the next milestone in turning cars into intelligent, connected robots on wheels that are safe, secure, and enjoyable. Both processors are ready for volume release,” said Kurt Sievers, president & CEO of NXP Semiconductors, at the Computex CEO Forum.”

The S32G2 vehicle networking processors enable service-oriented gateways for secure cloud connectivity and over-the-air updates that will unlock a multitude of data-driven services, such as usage-based insurance and vehicle health management. The processors also serve as domain and zonal controllers to enable next-generation vehicle architectures and as high-performance ASIL D safety processors in advanced driver-assistance and autonomous-drive systems.

The move to TSMC’s 16nm technology has allowed S32G2 to consolidate multiple devices into one, creating a powerful system-on-chip (SoC) that reduces the processor’s footprint.

The S32R294 radar processor’s implementation in 16nm provides the performance carmakers need to enable scalable solutions for NCAP and advanced corner radar as well as long-range front radar and advanced multi-mode use cases like simultaneous blind-spot detection, lane-change assistance, and elevation sensing.

“We have a long history of partnership with TSMC and appreciate their support during this extraordinary period of shortage,” added Sievers. “We value our collaboration in both technology and volume manufacturing that has enabled this key step in broadening NXP’s 16nm FF portfolio and paves the way towards our future high-performance S32 processing platform with harmonized software infrastructure in TSMC’s 5nm process.”

TSMC’s 16nm technology enables NXP’s automotive processors to harness the power of advanced FinFET transistors for the first time, combining improved performance and rigorous automotive process qualifications to deliver safe next-generation computing power. Backed by TSMC’s extensive roadmap for automotive processes, NXP’s 16nm automotive processors pave the way for a wider migration to TSMC’s 5nm process for the NXP S32 family of vehicle processors.

“Vehicles have become sophisticated computing platforms with semiconductors controlling a wide range of sensors, digital cockpits, wireless connectivity, and more. TSMC’s comprehensive portfolio of automotive process technologies and services enable our customers to innovate to make cars safer, smarter, and greener,” said TSMC CEO, Dr. C.C. Wei. “TSMC is dedicated to supporting NXP’s longstanding automotive excellence in design, quality and functional safety at the 16nm node and well into the future with our leading logic technologies and automotive-grade manufacturing quality.”