Telechips Dives into Vehicle Network Processor Market

Telechips, a prominent semiconductor company based in Korea, is making significant strides in the automotive industry by expanding its product offerings beyond infotainment chips. The company recently introduced its first network processor System on Chip (SoC) called Axon, which marks a pivotal moment in its evolution.

The Axon network processor is powered by the ARM Cortex-A65AE and Cortex-M7 multi-domain cores, both of which are renowned for their performance and efficiency. With ASIL-D certification, the chip is designed to meet the stringent safety requirements of modern vehicles. Telechips recognizes the importance of network processing in enabling a software-defined vehicle architecture, and the Axon represents a strategic entry into this evolving market.

"Following our success in infotainment, we are expanding our high-performance networking product portfolio and strengthening global partnerships to position Telechips as a leading High-Performance Computing (HPC) company with core semiconductor capabilities for the SDV era," stated JK Lee, the CEO of Telechips, emphasizing the company's commitment to innovation and growth.

One of the key competitors in this space is the CoreRide S32J from NXP Semiconductor, which is also focused on developing a comprehensive ecosystem of software solutions for software-defined vehicles. The Axon differentiates itself by integrating six A65AE cores and three pairs of Cortex-M7 cores, ensuring both high performance and functional safety.

In addition to its processing capabilities, the Axon chip supports advanced networking features such as Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) for Ethernet communication, as well as robust support for Controller Area Network (CAN) and Local Interconnect Network (LIN) protocols. This comprehensive approach to network connectivity is essential for ensuring seamless communication within the vehicle architecture.

Furthermore, the Axon chip offers a range of security features, including Over-the-Air (OTA) updates, Intrusion Detection System (IDS) with Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) engine, and integration of MACsec and IPsec protocols. These measures are crucial for safeguarding the vehicle's network against potential cyber threats, enhancing overall cybersecurity in the automotive domain.

Telechips recently announced a strategic partnership with Wind River, a leading software company specializing in operating systems for automotive applications. Together, they aim to develop a robust software platform tailored for software-defined vehicles, with the Axon chip playing a central role in enabling advanced functionalities and performance.

"We will strengthen our collaboration with Telechips so that Wind River's software platform can be commercialized more in the automotive semiconductor market," said Jay Bellissimo, president of Wind River, highlighting the shared vision of both companies in driving innovation and excellence in the automotive industry.