Renesas: 90nm dual-core MCU for automotive to hit market by 2010

Renesas Technology anticipates that its dual-core microcontroller (MCU) for automotive vehicles could hit the market by 2010 at the latest, and possibly as early as 2008. The the new solution will help to enhance the functionality of electronic components that will be deployed within an increasingly complex driving environment.

The new dual-core MCU will be fabricated on 90nm process and will be available for the market during a 2008 to 2010 timeframe. Renesas emphasized that the number of MCUs required for automotive vehicles has been growing substantially. Taking a BMW as an example, the number of MCUs onboard has grown from 18 in 1999 to 40 in 2004.

Renesas pointed out that an automotive-vehicle air bag now requires more than 10 MCUs. Another two will be required for the dashboard and steering wheel respectively. A growing number of MCUs is also required for a capabilities such as in-car entertainment, as well as GPS and 3D functions and related components.

How MCUs are deploy for various components in car...
Photo: Renesas.