NXP Tech Chief Lars Reger Highlights India’s Rising Role in Semiconductor Innovation and Automotive Safety

• ByStartupStory     |    March 30, 2024

In a recent interview with Moneycontrol, Lars Reger, the Chief Technology Officer of NXP, a Dutch semiconductor chip design company, shed light on India’s burgeoning influence in the realm of chip design and its crucial role in advancing automotive safety standards. Reger emphasized India’s transformation from being perceived solely as a hub for cost-effective labor to becoming a powerhouse of innovation, particularly in semiconductor design.

Reger stated, “Today, all our most advanced products come out of India. Our most advanced chip for automotive networks, which is the size of a thumbnail and has 4 billion transistors, is being developed in Noida. It is the world’s first automotive chip with a node size of 5 nanometres.”

Addressing concerns regarding electric vehicle safety in India, Reger pointed out a critical issue concerning the use of inadequate components in battery management systems (BMS). He remarked, “What these companies have done is they have taken cheap solutions from laptops into complicated battery management systems… Therefore, do not use consumer electronics in battery management systems.”

Discussing the trajectory of autonomous vehicles, Reger highlighted the current focus on level three automation, particularly in highway driving scenarios. He noted, “The BMW seven series and the Mercedes S Class are already level three.” However, he cautioned against overhyping technological advancements, citing the discrepancy between market expectations and reality.

Reger also addressed the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in automotive technology, emphasizing the distinction between rules-based driving and creative decision-making processes. He explained, “You don’t need AI for rules-based driving such as keep on the left side, don’t overspeed and stop at traffic lights. But you need creativity to tell you that waiting three hours behind a parked car is a bad idea.”

Regarding the utilization of generative AI in chip design, Reger acknowledged cautious exploration due to concerns about intellectual property protection. He stated, “We are taking the first steps… because you have to be careful, like hell, that you are not sharing your intellectual property with the rest of the world.”

In conclusion, Reger’s insights underscored India’s pivotal role in driving innovation in semiconductor design and automotive technology, while also highlighting the need for prudent technological advancement and safeguarding intellectual property rights in the era of AI-driven development.

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