ROHM Semiconductor recently announced that its power management ICs (PMICs) have been used by Telechips, a well-known Korean automotive chip manufacturer, in the power reference design of next-generation automotive cockpit SoCs. The designs are targeted at the Dolphin3 (REF67003) and Dolphin5 (REF67005) application processors (APs), which are primarily for European automakers, with mass production scheduled to begin in 2025.
ROHM has partnered with Telechips to develop a cockpit power solution
Since 2021, ROHM and Telechips have been working together to maintain close communication in the early stages of SoC chip design. Through this collaboration, ROHM's power solutions are integrated into Telechips' power reference designs to meet the needs of different vehicle development models. These solutions combine the main PMIC with the sub-PMIC and DrMOS, which greatly improves the efficiency and reliability of the system.
1. Dolphin3 Power Reference Design: For infotainment systems, the BD96801Qxx-C main PMIC is used.
2. Dolphin5 Power Reference Design: Designed for the next generation of digital cockpits, it combines the BD96805Qxx-C and BD96811Fxx-C main PMICs, as well as the BD96806Qxx-C sub-PMIC.
Modern Cockpit Power Challenges: Multi-Display, Versatility and High Performance
As the functions of the cockpit of automobiles become more diverse, the number of displays such as dashboards and infotainment systems in the car is increasing. To achieve this, automotive SoCs need more processing power, and their supporting power ICs need to support higher currents while maintaining high performance. In addition, different vehicle models require high flexibility in circuit design, and manufacturers want to adapt to multiple vehicle models with minimal circuit changes.
The SoC PMICs developed by ROHM are designed to meet these challenges:
1. Efficient operation: Supports high currents and can be used with sub-PMIC or DrMOS to further optimize energy efficiency.
2. Flexible configuration: Built-in programmable ROM (one-time programmable memory, OTP ROM), the output voltage and power start sequence can be customized according to the needs, adapting to the needs of a variety of models.
Figure:ROHM's PMIC for SoCs Adopted in Reference Designs
Executive views on both sides
Senior Vice President, System Semiconductor R&D Center: "Telechips focuses on automotive SoC core technologies for next-generation ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and cockpit applications. In collaboration with ROHM, we have successfully developed a power reference design that supports the next generation of large in-cabin screens and advanced features. ROHM's power solutions combine high performance, low power consumption, and good scalability. We look forward to continued cooperation in the development of future models."
Director of ROHM LSI Business Unit: "We are delighted that Telechips has chosen ROHM's power supply reference design. With the rapid evolution of ADAS and cockpit functions, power ICs need to support large currents while minimizing power consumption. ROHM's SoC PMICs provide a high-efficiency, low-power power solution by pairing it with a DrMOS or sub-PMIC. In the future, we will deepen our cooperation with Telechips to promote the further development of automotive cockpit and ADAS."
Telechips Dolphin: Tailor-made for a versatile cockpit
Telechips' Dolphin family of automotive SoCs is designed for in-vehicle infotainment (IVI), ADAS, and autonomous driving (AD):
1. Dolphin3: Supports up to 4 displays and 8 in-vehicle cameras for multi-functional cockpits.
2. Dolphin5: Supports up to 5 displays and 8 cameras to support the next generation of cockpits.
Building on years of technology accumulation, Telechips plans to continue to expand the Dolphin product line to include Dolphin+, Dolphin3 and Dolphin5 to meet the global market demand for high-performance automotive application processors.
Summary
ROHM's collaboration with Telechips demonstrates how advanced power technologies can enable rapid advancements in automotive cockpit functionality. By designing an efficient and flexible power reference solution for the next generation of SoCs, the two companies are not only driving technological innovation, but also providing a solid foundation for the smart cars of the future.
