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Strapping in for Safety

By Sumit Vishwakarma

The Parallels Between Seatbelts and Semiconductor Reliability in Automotive Design.

In the fast-paced world of automotive innovation, the evolution of vehicle safety features has become synonymous with technological advancements. One crucial aspect often overlooked is the role of semiconductors in ensuring passenger safety and vehicle reliability. Much like how the enforcement of seatbelt usage is paramount for the safety of everyone in a vehicle, the reliability of individual components in semiconductor chips is indispensable for the overall safety and functionality of automotive electronics.

The automotive industry’s reliance on semiconductors has grown exponentially, emphasizing the need for stringent safety measures in their design and manufacturing. Analog and mixed-signal fault simulation has emerged as a cornerstone in semiconductor engineering, particularly in safety-critical markets like automotive electronics. This sophisticated approach allows engineers to identify and rectify potential faults in semiconductor components, ensuring they function flawlessly under various electrical, mechanical and thermal conditions.

Just as each passenger in a car contributes to the collective safety by wearing a seatbelt, every chip component must be meticulously designed to be fault-free. The parallel is clear: both scenarios require individual elements to be secure and reliable for the greater safety of the entire system.

As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the demand for robust safety verification and testing methodologies in semiconductor design is more critical than ever. Compliance with safety standards, such as the widely recognized ISO26262, is not just a regulatory requirement but a commitment to creating safer and more reliable electronics for an increasingly interconnected world.

To navigate the challenges posed by the ever-advancing semiconductor industry, engineers and manufacturers must adapt by adopting advanced analog fault simulation solutions. These tools not only ensure compliance with safety standards but also contribute to the creation of more reliable electronic components, ultimately enhancing the overall safety of vehicles on the road.

Read our white paper that explores the challenges, applications, benefits, and impact of analog fault simulation on chip design, and showcases the Siemens solution. Buckle up: it’s the ultimate insurance policy for your ride 😊!

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This article first appeared on the Siemens Digital Industries Software blog at https://blogs.sw.siemens.com/cicv/2024/02/15/strapping-in-for-safety/