Automotive Semiconductors
Traceability
The Latest EVs have up to 8,000 Semiconductors. Some sensors are Mission Critical used in ABS, Airbags or ADAS devices. The increase in Semiconductors utilization for Life Saving Applications is pushing new regulations and standards.
Die Level Traceability
Future Standards Requirement
Semi.org has created standards for autonomous vehicle semiconductors requiring Unit Level Traceability of the components. This is for ADAS Level 5.
The Automotive industry relies for most parts on Unit Level Traceability and uses 2D Code or DataMatrix for that purpose.
Quality Management & Traceability
At the heart of the Automotive industry. Total Quality Management and other process require traceability and labeling of parts. Using databases, processes and systems, the industry can maintain traceability at the batch level. However, the granularity level is insufficient to expedite a Root Cause Analysis process.
Complexity of the Supply Chain and Semiconductors in vehicles
According to Porsche Consulting Group, the latest Porsche Taycan (EV) has over 8,000 Semiconductors (Semi West 2022). The complexity of the supply chain makes traceability a need, especilliy in regard of Mission Critical components.
Sensors and Traceability
Today, Sensors are not able to use OTP (memory) to enable Unit Level Traceability. Using labeling on the die ensure that the traceability is maintained from the wafer to the user.
Tier Six
Recently Tesla mentioned that their strategy was to participate in the supply chain up to Tier 6. OEMs have traditionally worked with Tier One but at arm's length. Following the semiconductor shortage, the industry is looking for solutions to improve traceability and forecasting.
