The Japan-based Advanced SoC Research for Automotive (ASRA) has proposed a communication standard for automotive chips to an international body. ASRA comrpises 14 companies, including Toyota Motor, Honda Motor, autoparts supplier Denso and chipmaker Renesas Electronics. By setting the standard, the Japanese group would have an easier environment for developing automotive chips.

ASRA was formed in 2023 to develop automotive systems on a chip (SoCs) made up of building-block-like components called chiplets. The group aims to have the chips used in mass-production models of Japanese vehicles starting in 2030.

ASRA has proposed its own communication standard to the Universal Chiplet Interconnect Express (UCIe) Consortium, a body that sets specifications for how chiplets connect with each other. The consortium’s members include global automotive and chip companies.

Chips used in autos must endure higher temperatures, bigger vibrations and other harsher conditions that those in phones and personal computers. Malfunctions can lead to road accidents. ASRA proposed a recovery mechanism in the event of a communication error, as well as safety performance standards. The proposal will be discussed in the UCIe Consortium automotive subcommittee. A European industry group is also working on chiplet technology for automotive semiconductors.