- Intel has also announced a family of AI-enhanced software-defined vehicle SoCs with Zeekr
- Intel’s chipset concept offers automakers the opportunity to incorporate a tailored chip into their vehicles
Intel has signed an acquisition deal with Silicon Mobility, a fabless silicon and software company that makes SoCs for EV energy management.
Apart from this acquisition, Intel has also announced a family of AI-enhanced software-defined vehicle SoCs with Zeekr, which has to be the first OEM to adopt that new SoC for next-generation cars.
This announcement has been made during CES 2024. The company has committed to providing an open chipset platform so customers can integrate their chipsets into Intel silicon.
Intel’s chipset concept offers automakers the opportunity to incorporate a tailored chip into their vehicles, all at a significantly reduced cost compared to a fully customised SoC. This approach also reduces the risk of automakers getting locked into a single vendor.
Some have questioned Intel’s substantial investment in the automotive sector shortly after spinning off Mobileye into a separate business. However, Intel clearly envisions the potential to supply automotive-grade chips to the entire industry through its foundry operation, even including Mobileye. This synergy could allow Intel to leverage Mobileye’s technology for its benefit as well.
Jack Weast, general manager of Intel Automotive, said Intel has rich experiences in PC development that correlate with how the future vehicle must become more digital and intelligent. CEO Pat Gelsinger with Weast assured automotive companies that Intel is in the sector to stay.
“I need automotive customers that are long-term and large,” Gelsinger said.
The open chiplet design would seem to help in that cause. “We can’t wait to see what kind of chiplets you bring to us,” Weast said, addressing some auto industry officials in the audience.
