Qualcomm is swiftly signing up carmakers to use its new automotive-grade Snapdragon system-on-chip processing units and connectivity modems. In doing so the U.S. tech specialist is often bypassing the Tier 1 suppliers that provide the solutions that will use the chips. New customers include Volvo and Renault. Qualcomm’s Europe chief, Enrico Salvatori, who has been with the company since 2003 spoke to Automotive News Europe Correspondent Nick Gibbs about how the company can help auto companies tap into its smartphone expertise.
Generation 3 versions of your automotive grade Snapdragon chip will be added to cars such as the Opel/Vauxhall Astra and Peugeot 308. Meanwhile, Generation 4 will form the basis of the Snapdragon Digital Cockpit Platform that Renault will use to develop its next generation of cars. What does Generation 4 add?
Generation 4 is an evolution that improves several technology streams. We are increasing performance of the modem, the GPU [graphics processing unit], the CPU [central processing unit] and of AI [artificial intelligence]. These improvements link to the digital chassis. The chassis is a system-level integration with telematics, the cockpit and the ADAS [advance driver assistance system]. You can achieve this with Generation 3, but Generation 4 will make the integration of the three domains perform even better. It’s about keeping the three domains integrated and talking to each other, exchanging data will enable better performance optimization and user experience for the car manufacturer.