Which Parts of a Car Require Chips?
3 Answers
According to their types, they can be divided into four major categories: functional chips MCU (Micro Control Unit), power semiconductors (IGBT, MOSFET, etc.), sensors, and others. The specific descriptions are as follows: 1. MCU: The full name in automobiles is Motor-Control-Unit, which translates to "Motor Control Unit" in Chinese. It is the module that controls motor actions, primarily connecting and controlling 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 systems, in-vehicle infotainment, wipers and windows, electric seats, and other components that require electricity. 2. Power semiconductors (IGBT, MOSFET, etc.): The full name of the IGBT chip is "Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor." It is a composite fully controlled voltage-driven power semiconductor device composed of BJT (Bipolar Junction Transistor) and MOS (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor), mainly used in new energy vehicles. Functionally, the IGBT chip serves as the power conversion device used by MCU chips, enabling power conversion in electric drive systems to improve power efficiency and quality. Therefore, it is also known as a super switch for controlling electrical energy. 3. Sensors: Automotive sensors are input devices for the car's computer system. Their role is to convert various operational conditions of the car, such as speed, temperature of various media, and engine operating conditions, into electrical signals for the computer, ensuring the car operates in the best possible state. 4. Others: Since traditional automotive functional chips are only suitable for localized functions such as engine control and battery management and cannot meet the high data volume requirements for intelligent driving-related computations, in recent years, with the popularization of intelligent driving assistance systems, global chip giants have entered the automotive industry, introducing main control chips with AI computing capabilities.
As a daily driver, I've noticed that many aspects of cars rely heavily on chips. During startup, the anti-theft chip in the car key ensures only the correct key can ignite the engine. While driving, the Engine Control Unit (ECU) uses chips to manage fuel injection and emissions, improving efficiency and environmental friendliness. On the safety front, ABS systems and airbag sensor chips monitor speed and collision risks in real-time, responding quickly to prevent accidents. In the entertainment system, navigation screens and Bluetooth connections rely on chips to process signals, making music playback or map navigation smoother. For body control, power windows, door locks, and lighting systems also depend on chips for automated operation. The current chip shortage is slowing down new car deliveries and making it harder to find parts during maintenance, so understanding these aspects can help us prevent malfunctions. For example, a warning light on the dashboard might indicate a chip failure, and regular checks are recommended to avoid compromising driving safety.
During my time assisting at the dealership, I encountered numerous chip-related issues. Areas of the vehicle with dense chip usage include the Engine Control Module (ECM), which processes sensor data to optimize performance and reduce fuel consumption. The transmission system also utilizes chips for automatic gear shifting, ensuring smooth driving. Body control modules manage power seats, windows, and door locks—all powered by microprocessor chips. The infotainment system relies on chipset support for everything from navigation to multimedia displays; without them, screens would freeze. Safety features like airbag control units depend on chips to rapidly respond to collision signals. During repairs, diagnostic tools are frequently used to test chip circuits, as short circuits can cause functional failures. The current trend toward vehicle intelligence demands more chips for driver assistance systems, requiring technicians to continuously update their repair skills.
