Embedded processors are incorporated into almost every type of electronic device. The automobile is no exception where the expectations for new features like high reliability, improved fuel economy and better overall system performance with each generation. Technology advances in engines and the ultimate "Green Machines" will require new approaches to solving many of the current technology barriers of today. Semiconductors will participate as an ever-increasing part in breaking through many of the technical challenges with higher voltage power semiconductors, new memory technologies, increased performance of the embedded processor and improvements in timing control functions. Improvements in semiconductor technology are enabling new solutions to current and even future technical barriers within the automotive electronics industry. The powertrain, body, chassis, safety and infotainment systems will all benefit from higher performance embedded processors and advances in power electronics. Microcontrollers now contain over 30 million transistors and will push beyond 60 million transistors in 2008. Power electronics will reach higher power applications with improvements in current and increased voltage handling capabilities. The embedded processor has been used to solve repetitive task requiring procession timing and a high degree of reliability for 30 years. This drive for improved reliability and system capabilities with smaller packages and lower cost are helping to accelerate silicon down an integration path. Silicon suppliers will use deep sub-micron 130 to 90 nanometer geometries to design highly integrated 32-bit embedded processors to meet the new system-on-a-chip demands.
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