Episode 223 | Micron's Vision for Safer Roads: How Memory Drives the Future of Autonomous Vehicles
Sep 3, 2024
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Bruce Franklin is the Senior Director of Automotive at Micron, a company leading in automotive memory technology for over 30 years. He discusses the evolution of memory needs in vehicles, from basic infotainment to advanced driver assistance systems and the critical role memory plays in autonomous vehicles. Franklin addresses the challenges of digital addiction affecting future drivers and highlights how memory innovations can drive safer roads and reduce fatalities. He also shares insights on Micron's strategic investments and commitment to enhancing in-vehicle experiences.
Micron has established a pivotal role in automotive memory by prioritizing safety and quality through rigorous design and testing standards.
The automotive industry is shifting toward advanced electronic features, making robust memory technology crucial for enhancing user experiences and enabling autonomy.
Deep dives
Micron's Entry into Automotive Business
Micron entered the automotive sector over 30 years ago to explore premium niche markets that were largely overlooked by other memory companies. This strategic move established an early lead in automotive memory, allowing Micron to position itself as a stable and profitable player within a market that oscillates less than others in the semiconductor space. The stability comes from long design cycles and multi-year contracts, which insulate Micron from the volatile nature of other sectors like client PCs and data centers. As such, automotive memory has become a core market for Micron, reflecting their commitment to innovation and quality in this business area.
Automotive Memory Design and Safety Standards
Developing automotive memory differs significantly from traditional memory applications, necessitating compliance with strict safety standards such as ISO 26262. Micron approaches memory design with an 'auto-first' mindset, incorporating automotive requirements from the initial design phase rather than adapting existing products from other sectors. This emphasis on safety translates to rigorous testing and quality controls, with Micron striving for a 'zero DPM' mentality to minimize defects. Their high standards mean that only the best wafers are utilized in automotive applications, ensuring that safety and quality are prioritized in all aspects of production.
Shifts in Consumer Expectations and In-Cabin Experiences
Modern consumers increasingly prioritize electronic features and in-cabin experiences over traditional performance metrics like horsepower when purchasing vehicles. Features such as ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) and immersive infotainment systems are driving automotive sales, with companies like Xiaomi entering the market with novel user experiences. This shift emphasizes the importance of robust processing and memory capabilities in vehicles, as more consumers expect significant technological advancements embedded in their cars. Consequently, automakers are pushing the envelope to provide unique, tech-rich experiences that resonate with today's buyers, especially in competitive markets like China.
The Future of Memory in Autonomous Vehicles
As the auto industry moves toward higher levels of autonomy, advances in memory technology are vital for enabling features such as driver monitoring and enhanced safety standards. The transition to Level 4 and Level 5 autonomy demands higher bandwidth memory solutions to process significant amounts of data from various sensors in real-time. Micron anticipates that this market will integrate new forms of memory, such as high bandwidth memory, which allows for faster data transfer and improved system reactions. This evolution underscores the importance of memory as not just a component but a foundational technology that underpins the future of autonomous driving and safety improvements in vehicles.
Bruce Franklin, Senior Directive of Automotive, Micron joined Grayson Brulte on The Road to Autonomy podcast to discuss the crucial role of memory in autonomous vehicles and the broader automotive industry.
Micron has been a key player in automotive memory for over 30 years, with a steadfast commitment to quality, safety, and innovation. Memory requirements in cars has evolved over the years from no memory to basic infotainment systems to advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to memory that enables autonomous vehicles to operate safely.
Episode Chapters
0:00 Micron's Automotive Business
9:14 In-Vehicle User Experience
11:42 Micron's Approach to Autonomy
21:03 Driver Monitoring
24:38 What if a Vehicle Did Not have Memory?
26:39 Memory for Different Vehicle Platforms and Sensors
32:31 Investing in ISO Standards
37:37 Future of Micron
39:08 Key Takeaways
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