What Functions Are Missing in Mercedes-Benz Due to Chip Shortage?
2 Answers
Unable to use the vehicle normally. The car's chip is equivalent to the brain of the vehicle, controlling all electronic functions of the motor vehicle. Without the chip, the motor vehicle cannot operate. The higher the intelligence level of the motor vehicle, the more valuable the chip is. Once the chip is damaged, the motor vehicle cannot be used normally. MCU: Primarily connects and controls various peripheral circuits and interface circuits in the car. It acts as the brain of the car, controlling all electronic systems, including: suspension, engine control system, in-vehicle infotainment, wipers and windows, electric seats, and other necessary components. Power Semiconductors (IGBT, MOSFET, etc.): The full name of the IGBT chip is "Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor," which is a composite fully-controlled, voltage-driven power semiconductor device composed of BJT (Bipolar Junction Transistor) and MOS (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor). It is mainly used in new energy vehicles. Sensors: Automotive sensors are the input devices of the car's computer system. Their function is to convert various operating conditions of the car, such as speed, temperature of various media, engine operating conditions, etc., into electrical signals and transmit them to the computer, ensuring the car operates in the best possible state.
I recently researched some Mercedes-Benz models, and during the chip shortage, they might lack certain intelligent driving assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control or automatic lane-keeping systems. This can significantly impact long-distance driving, as you have to manually adjust speed and direction, which can be tiring. Additionally, the touchscreen infotainment system might be simplified, missing real-time navigation or Bluetooth connectivity, forcing you to frequently check your phone for maps. Comfort features like seat heating or massage modules could also be limited, making winter driving less pleasant. Since chips manage electronic systems, engine performance might become unstable, with possible hesitation during acceleration, leading to increased fuel consumption. A friend of mine bought a new car missing these features and complained about the remote start function not working, having to manually warm up the engine. If you're planning to buy a car, I recommend confirming the specifications in advance to avoid discovering missing features at delivery. The chip shortage is a supply chain issue, and automakers are working to recover, with potential future software updates restoring some functions.
