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Semiconductor industry

Ford Joins Semiconductor Research Corporation to Advance Automotive Electronics

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the automotive industry increasingly relies on sophisticated electronics to improve safety, efficiency, and performance, Ford Motor Company has taken a significant step by joining the Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC). This move enables Ford to collaborate with leading semiconductor manufacturers and government agencies on research in design and packaging, ultimately benefiting the development of more reliable and advanced electronic components for vehicles.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ford's membership in the SRC will focus on SRC research in semiconductor design and packaging to improve the reliability of electronic components in vehicles.
  • The SRC program will enable Ford to leverage the collective expertise of over 60 semiconductor manufacturers and users, as well as government agencies, to advance automotive electronics.
  • Ford's participation in the SRC complements its existing university research program, allowing the company to support the generation of new scientific and engineering knowledge.
  • The SRC has planned and implemented a pre-competitive research program at 60 North American universities, national laboratories, and research institutions since its creation in 1982.
  • Electronics play a crucial role in modern automobile design, with reliable semiconductor components being essential for controlling fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
  • Future applications of semiconductor technology in the automobile industry include electronic steering, adaptive suspension, navigation, and security systems.
  • Oldsmobile Alero 1999 includes features such as Electronic Vehicle Control Module, Powertrain Control Module, and Electronic Brake Control Module.
  • Vehicle electronics industry revenue is expected to reach $23 billion by 2015 (Source: Grand View Research).

Statistics:

  • The SRC has over 60 semiconductor manufacturers and users, as well as government agencies, as members.
  • The SRC conducts pre-competitive research in semiconductor design and packaging.
  • Ford has a distinguished history of support for university research, with its University Research Program supporting the generation of new scientific and engineering knowledge.
  • In 1988, Ford, along with Chrysler and General Motors, founded the United States Council for Automotive Research (USCAR), focusing on cooperative, pre-competitive research and development.
  • All new cars and trucks use semiconductors to control fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
  • Over 50% of vehicles currently on the market include electronic braking systems and airbag safety controls (Source: Ford Motor Company).
  • The SRC plans and implements a research program at 60 North American universities, national laboratories, and research institutions.

Sources:

  • "Ford Joins Semiconductor Research Corp., Accelerating Development of Next-Gen Electronic Systems" (PRNewswire, 13 Feb 1995)
  • "Ford Commits to Applying Advanced Electronic Technologies in Its Vehicles" (Source: Ford Motor Company)

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