Semiconductor Sensors for Automotive 2024

Glossary

Report objectives

Scope of the report

Methodologies & definitions

Global semiconductor activity

Companies cited

What we got right, what we got wrong

2023 vs. 2024 forecast comparison

3-page summary

Executive summary

Context

Market trends and forecasts

• Two main trends for vehicles
• Evolution of semiconductor sensor content per car
• Sensor market volume and revenue
• Sensor market volume and revenue – Split by car domain
• Sensors for Powertrain and Electrification
• Sensors for ADAS and Safety
• Sensors for Infotainment and Telematics
• Sensors for Chassis and Others

Market shares & supply chain

• Global semiconductor sensor market shares
• Average Silicium surface per car (%) – Split by sensor
• Supply chains for MEMS, Magnetic sensors, Environmental sensors
• Supply chain for ADAS sensing cameras

Technology trends

• Powertrain & Electrification
• ADAS & Safety
• Infotainment & Connectivity
• Body & Chassis

Technology, Process, & Cost Report

Conclusion   

Related Products

About Yole Group

Sensors: the vital catalyst for automotive advancements

Since the introduction of semiconductors in automobiles during the 20th century, sensing technologies have continued to expand. Initially designed to enhance powertrain efficiency, increasing safety priorities have rendered specific sensors indispensable, such as ABS, ESC, and airbags. Propelled by technological advancements and their initial integration into luxury vehicles, innovation has gradually permeated into mid-range and budget models, resulting in the emergence of a multi-billion-unit industry.

6.5 billion sensors for the automotive market were shipped in 2023 globally, generating $9.3B in revenue. And with a 7% revenue CAGR23-29, we expect it will grow to $14.3B in 2029 with 8.8 billion sensors shipped worldwide. During these coming years, the automotive industry is expected to go through massive transformations in all four car domains:

• Powertrain and Electrification: the Automotive industry is transitioning from cars based on internal combustion engines (ICE), which represented 91% of the production in 2019, to electrified cars, which are expected to represent 43% of the production in 2029. In terms of sensors, the Powertrain and Electrification domain will be worth more than $1.4B by 2029, growing with a 3% CAGR23-29. In the long term, the electrification of cars will induce critical changes in the sensor landscape by giving birth to new applications while removing others.
• ADAS and Safety: from enhanced safety to autonomous driving, cars are becoming more intelligent. Cameras, LiDARs, radars, and so on are helping cars take action based on an understanding of their environment. Revenue from the ADAS and Safety segment is by far the largest of all segments. Revenue of $8B is expected to be generated by 2029.
• Infotainment and Telematics: In pursuit of product distinctiveness, there has been a steady augmentation in the number of functionalities alongside enhancements in in-cabin comfort over time. With customers demanding greater entertainment options for both drivers and passengers, this sector is projected to achieve a favorable 7% CAGR from 2023 to 2029, exceeding $2.9 billion by 2029.
• Chassis and Others: to improve the safety of passengers, to send valuable data to the ADAS computing unit, or even to remove hydraulic parts of the car, the global sensorization of cars is driving the sensor volumes to grow with a 3% CAGR23-29. In terms of revenue, we expect almost $1.9B to be generated in 2029.

The upcoming years are poised to witness a dynamic transformation in automotive sensor technology driven by advancements in ADAS, autonomous driving, electrification, and the widespread adoption of sensors across global car fleets. Consequently, substantial reorganization within the industry and its supply chain is anticipated. Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop strategic business plans and collaborate with suitable partners to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

The evolving automotive landscape and its effects on sensor manufacturers

As vehicles increasingly embrace electrification and incorporate advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and safety features, the growth or decline of sensor manufacturers will hinge on their strategic positioning within the market.

The shift towards fully electric vehicles will adversely affect suppliers of sensors used in traditional ICE applications, including engine pressure sensing, emission control, and engine management systems (such as EGR, throttle, and shaft sensors).

• In the next five years, these players will start to see the impact of this transition, but it will be even more impactful by the end of the decade, especially in 2035 with the ban on new ICE cars in Europe.
• Suppliers of MEMS pressure sensors and gas & particle sensors, such as Bosch, TE Connectivity, NXP, and Infineon, will discover new prospects in thermal runaway and CO2 sensing applications. Preventing thermal runaway at the battery level is paramount for OEMs to avert significant damage, while CO2 sensing represents a burgeoning comfort feature for in-cabin applications, poised for long-term adoption.
• Magnetic sensor suppliers, such as Allegro Microsystems, Melexis, and Infineon, as well as those focused on temperature sensors like Sensirion, are poised for significant opportunities. Monitoring current and temperature parameters is essential for understanding the performance of various modules within electric vehicles (EVs). With a substantial increase anticipated in the number of EVs, these players are projected to experience robust revenue growth.

The increased presence of ADAS and safety components will primarily affect companies engaged in image, radar, and LiDAR sensors.

• Since safety applications like airbags and ESP are now standard in nearly all vehicles, the expansion of MEMS accelerometers and inertial combo / IMUs will largely depend on vehicle sales growth despite the potential for more airbags per vehicle. This trend is expected to generate substantial sales volumes for leading players such as Bosch, Murata, NXP, and STMicroelectronics.
• Image and radar sensors are forecasted to experience significant growth driven by the expanding adoption of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) features in semi-autonomous vehicles.

Projected future technological developments spanning all car domains

Even though electrification and ADAS & safety are the main drivers, technology is expected to evolve in all car domains.

• Powertrain and Electrification: As the trend leans toward increasing battery capacities and the advancement of 800V batteries, we anticipate a surge in the adoption of magnetic (isolated) technologies for current sensing in various components such as the OBC, DC/DC converters, inverters, and power modules in the years ahead. While shunt sensors offer cost-effectiveness and high accuracy, they lack galvanic isolation. Consequently, we foresee a shift from shunt sensors to magnetic sensors in the near future. Additionally, maintaining the battery within an optimal temperature range is crucial for enhanced performance, meeting safety standards, and prolonging its lifespan. To achieve this, magnetic sensors are strategically positioned on thermal valves to regulate the injection of cooling or heating fluids more precisely. Therefore, we expect the sensor content (in $) per BEV to remain around $15 per car.
• ADAS and Safety: CMOS image sensors are expected to evolve to increase the number of frames per second, the dynamic range, and temperature resistance. This is not a significant technology change but is necessary to answer the needs of Tier-1s and OEMs. Radar sensors are continuously evolving, and the next significant change is related to the introduction of 4D imaging radar to achieve a 1° angular resolution, which is impossible with conventional 3D radar. This evolution is linked to the development of new MIMO techniques enabling an increase in the virtual aperture while keeping a reasonable physical size. LiDARs are quite young compared to image sensors and radar, but their technology is advancing rapidly. The main improvement is related to the range LiDAR can achieve. Different types of lasers can be used, such as EELs, VCSELs, or fiber. The main improvement, however, is related to the receiver, where the technology is transitioning from avalanche photodiodes to SPADs and SiPMs that are much more sensitive. The arrival of FMCW LiDAR by the end of the decade could change the technology landscape. This will lead the semiconductor part of sensors for ADAS and Safety content (in $) per car to grow from $51 in 2023 to $82 in 2029.
• Infotainment and Telematics: While no groundbreaking technology breakthroughs are anticipated, there will be a notable increase in the integration of sensors for enhanced comfort features. MEMS sensors will be leveraged to improve phone call quality and enable noise-canceling functionalities. Capacitive sensors are poised to replace physical buttons, while radar technology will be employed for occupant monitoring. Additionally, environmental sensors will play a pivotal role in enhancing in-cabin air quality.
• Chassis and Others: The primary innovation will revolve around the advancement of brake and drive-by-wire technologies aimed at eliminating hydraulic components from vehicles. Magnetic sensors will play a pivotal role in pedal position sensing and motor position monitoring within this context. Furthermore, we anticipate a gradual uptake of intelligent TPMS modules, which not only measure tire pressure but also provide critical insights into tire quality and the vehicle's load to the main processing unit. Additionally, there is potential for applications focused on monitoring the driver's seating position and making slight adjustments over time during extended journeys.

AKM, Alibaba, Allegro MicroSystems, Analog Devices, Ambarella, Amphenol, ams OSRAM, Analog Devices, Anhui Jianghuai Automotive Group, Apple, Aptiv, ARM, Aryballe, AUO, Autotalks, BAIC Group, Baidu, BMW Group, BOSCH, BYD Auto, Changan Automobile Group, Chery Automobile, Cityhop, Continental, Cubic, Daimler Group, Danfoss, Denso, Dongfeng Motor Corp., DriveNow, Everlight, Excelitas, China FAW Group Corp., Figaro, FLIR, Ford Group, Forvia, Global Power Technology, GlobalFoundries, GM Group, Great Wall Motor Company Ltd., Guangzhou Automobile Group, Hamamatsu, Honda, Honeywell, Huawei, Hyundai Kia Automotive Group, Infineon, iSentek, Isuzu, Kyocera, Magna, Mahindra & Mahindra, Mazda, MediaTek, Melexis, Mobileye, modo, Murata, Nvidia, NXP, OmniVision, ON Semiconductor, Ouster, Panasonic, Paragon, Qorvo, Qualcomm, Redpine Signals, Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, Renesas, Rohm, SAIC, Samsung, Sciosense, Semikron, Senseair, Sensitec, Sensirion, Sharp, Siemens, SK Hynix, SmartEye, Sony, Stellantis, STMicroelectronics, Subaru, Suzuki, Tata Group, TE Connectivity, TDK, Tesla, Texas Instrument, TowerJazz, Toyota Group, TSMC, Uber, UMC, Umicore, Velodyne, Veoneer, Vishat, Visteon, VW Group, Waymo, Wingtec Technology, Wolfson, Xilinx, Xperi, ZF, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (…) and more.

Report objectives 

• Give an overview of sensors for automotive applications
  • Sensor dynamics by domain.
  • What technologies are used, and what developments are ongoing.
• To provide a complete overview of sensor trends and a 2023-2029 forecast of market value and shipments for automotive applications. This includes:
  • ADAS and Safety
  • Powertrain and Electrification
  • Infotainment and Telematics
  • Chassis and Others
• Deliver an in-depth understanding of the ecosystem and players
  • Discussion on the leading players.
  • The market shares of leading players.

Key features

• 2024-2029 forecast for market value, volume for automotive applications including ADAS and Safety, Powertrain, infotainment and telematics, Body & Chassis.
• 2024-2029 forecast for market value, volume for specific sensors including MEMS pressure, Magnetic sensor, MEMS Inertial, Environmental sensors, CIS, Radar.

What’s new?

• 2024-2029 forecast by domain including ADAS and Safety, Powertrain and Electrification, Infotainment and Telematics, Body and Chassis.
• Complete overview of sensor trends for each domain.