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With the cross-border integration of automobile and communication, the market demand for networked infotainment solutions is increasing. At the same time, the entire industry has gradually transitioned from 3G/4G to 4G/5G. However, while technology is constantly changing, the more important issue for most automobile manufacturers is cost.
According to the latest market data released by Gao Gong Intelligent Automobile Research Institute（GGII） , the number of new cars (joint venture + independent brand) equipped with 4G networking insurance in China from January to November 2020 was 6,765,100, an increase of 45.96% over the same period of last year. 2021-2023 will be the peak of the increase in the carrying rate of 4G networking, and it is estimated that the carrying rate will increase to 70-80% in 2023.
This will drive down the cost of the core components of 4G networking and improve the functional integration continuously, and the cost performance will become the core element of the new round of competition.
From another perspective, some manufacturers will aggressively apply 5G products, but since 5G is still in its infancy, there is still a transitional period for the large-scale market application. But compared with 5G products, 4G modules are more stable with more mature technology, and have higher cost performance, which is more in line with the current mainstream market demand.
All this leaves more opportunities for some enterprises that still use 4G products.
I. Meet the needs of smart cockpit evolution
Smart cockpit has become one of the core competitiveness of new models. It is expected that it will be quickly applied to low- and medium-priced models, so competition in the smart cockpit market has intensified.
One-machine multi-screen interaction (full LCD instrument, central control upper screen, central control central screen, and co-pilot screen), in-depth customization and collection of Internet ecological content and services, and integration of more human-computer interaction functions have become a trend. For example, the integration of 360-degree surround view, ADAS and other functions to provide multiple interactive modes (face recognition, voice recognition, gesture recognition, etc.) can fully meet the evolution of smart cockpit in the next few years.
Behind this, high-performance chips are needed to provide support.
For example, SIM8970 is a new generation of 4G wireless intelligence communication module with Android system, adopts Qualcomm QCM6125 platform, with built-in 8-core Kryo 260 CPU, and its main frequency is as high as 2.0 GHz. At the same time, it integrates Adreno610 at 950MHz GPU, has powerful image processing capability, and adopts the third generation AIE engine, which greatly improves the AI performance. This means that the module can be equipped with artificial intelligence algorithms to support face recognition, voice recognition and other algorithms, increase human-computer interaction, and meet the interactive control functions of the current mainstream smart cockpit.
In the aspect of multi-screen interactive entertainment, SIM8970 has rich multimedia functions, supports 4K@30 fps audio and video coding and decoding, has 2520*1080 single screen display, supports MIPI_DSI and DP over USB Type-C realizing dual-screen display and can meet the development trend of multi-screen entertainment navigation in smart cockpit.
In addition, considering the trend that some ADAS early warning functions are integrated into cockpit controllers, the support for more functions by the vehicular communication module has become one of the main product competitiveness.
SIM8970 supports multi-channel analog and digital audio input and output, and is equipped with four cameras, each with a maximum of 25 M pixels, which meets the image and audio processing capabilities of vehicle reversing image, driving record, DSM face recognition, vehicle voice, and so on.
II. Behind the low cost
In terms of cost reduction, in addition to reducing the single hardware cost of the module itself, achieving a high degree of integration is also one of the ways out. Behind this, the fundamental change comes from the change of cockpit’s electronic architecture from the earliest multiple control units, different operating systems and software modules, to the gradual integration of more single ECU (for example, dual screens supported by a single chip), and finally to a single cabin/body domain controller + gateway server configuration.
In fact, the upgrade and evolution on the one hand reduces the complexity of the integrated development of automotive electronics, while ensuring multi-functional development collaboration and experience consistency. The requirements for supporting complex functions and the powerful and flexible chip processing capability behind the system are also very high. In fact, changes and challenges have emerged in the past few years.
Taking SIM8970 as an example, this communication module integrates wireless communication modes, including LTE-FDD, LTE-TDD and other short-range communication modes such as WiFi /BT5.X. At the same time, the smart cockpit does not need to be connected with external communication Module and WIFI/ Bluetooth module, which greatly reduces the overall cost of the smart cockpit. In addition, SIM8970 also integrates the current global mainstream satellite positioning systems including GPS/GLONASS/BEIDOU/Galileo, and the smart cockpit does not need to be connected with external GNSS module, thus reducing the overall cost.
For module manufacturers, with the improvement of integration, including the integration of Android system, WiFi and Bluetooth functions, GNSS functions, the added value of 4G modules is gradually increasing.
In addition, behind the high level of integration, high reliability of products is needed.
Based on Samsung LPDDR4 memory and Qualcomm's 6125 platform, the product quality of SIM8970 is stable and reliable, and it also has the functions of network connection security and FOTA upgrade, ensuring the safe and reliable operation of system upgrade.
Obviously, if you want to be a leader in the Internet of Things industry, you must keep up with market trends and cutting-edge technologies. Keeping a foothold in the current mainstream market and optimizing the layout and reserves for market upgrades is the key to ensuring long-term competitiveness of enterprises.
It is understood that SIMCom has launched the C-V2X module SIM8100 series and the car-grade 4G module SIM7800 series in 2018, which has been recognized by the market; similarly, facing the 5G market, it launched the first 5G module SIM8200 series product in 2019. With the advantages of high cost performance, high integration and high reliability, SIMCom has made a dual layout in technology and products for the 5G application. It is expected that a new 5G smart module will be launched in the first half of this year, aiming at innovating 5G technologies and promoting the further development of the 5G industry.
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