Asahi Kasei entered the semiconductor devices (electronic components) business in 1980s, contributing to innovations in society along with the changing times by developing a variety of sensing devices and sophisticated IC (integrated circuit) products based on compound semiconductor technology and analog/digital mixed-signal technology. Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corp. (AKM), a core operating company of the Asahi Kasei Group, has focused on three areas of solutions for automotive applications. Let’s look at each one.

Next-generation current sensors for EVs

There are various challenges for increased uptake of EVs, one of which is charging. In addition to the development and standardization of infrastructure such as charging stations, governments and automobile manufacturers are working to address various issues such as reducing power loss during charging, shortening charging time, extending driving distance on a single charge, and reducing the size of chargers.

AKM manufactures current sensors for EVs enabling high-speed charging while suppressing power loss and contributing to miniaturization. As automakers around the world move toward in-house production of charging systems and related products, AKM is accelerating the development of next-generation current sensors suitable for charging by providing solutions with technical support from their initial development stage.

Taiga Kyosaki, a technical sales representative, has been the contact person for major automobile manufacturers in Europe and the U.S. since his fourth year at AKM. He has continually worked to support clients developing charging systems at the cutting edge of the automotive industry.

“I believe that our current sensors have a superior response speed compared to competing products. We can leverage our advantage in the market by approaching clients during their development stage and offering solutions which can only be achieved with our product's amazing performance.” He exuded confidence that the outstanding technical characteristics of AKM’s current sensors will lead to increased adoption in EV charging applications.

Compound semiconductor technology refined in a narrow field

Our current sensors used in EVs and charging stations feature high performance such as ultra-low heat generation, high resolution, fast response, and high accuracy. The key to these features is the compound semiconductor Hall element, an important component of the current sensor.

The most common semiconductors are made with a single element, silicon. Semiconductors made with two or more elements, called compound semiconductors, have unique properties that cannot be achieved with silicon. But being susceptible to defects during the production process, they are generally considered unsuitable for mass production. AKM has spent 40 years continually improving its production technology for compound semiconductors, and established a stable mass production system.

A compound semiconductor Hall element from AKM achieves a magnetic field detection sensitivity approximately 30 times that of an ordinary silicon semiconductor Hall element. Through an ingenious combination of sensor packaging technology and circuit design technology, AKM provides compound semiconductor Hall elements with exceptional performance characteristics including high-speed and high-precision response, low heat generation, and resistance to noise.

Revitalizing Japanese industry

Although there are many hurdles to the widespread adoption of EVs, it's rewarding to take on challenges. "I lived in the U.S. as a child, and I saw Japanese people as sincere and Japanese companies as having wonderful industrial technologies. Now the Japanese economy doesn't seem vibrant," reflects Kyosaki. "I keep on working energetically every day believing that Japanese technological capabilities can help contribute to the spread of EVs, and in the long run revitalize Japanese industry in general."

Millimeter-wave radar for vehicle safety

Tetsuya Yumoto has been involved in electronic circuit design for over 10 years and is currently leading the design of millimeter wave radar devices, which use high-frequency radio waves to measure the distance, speed, and angle of an object. AKM has patented millimeter wave radar technology for wideband and high-precision millimeter-wave signal generation. This enables high detection accuracy using high-speed A/D (analog/digital) converters and multi-channel configuration technology. By combining millimeter-wave radar ICs and software, AKM is developing solutions such as a contactless stethoscope, and indoor monitoring of infants and the elderly.

Child presence detection (CPD) becoming standard worldwide

There have been many fatal accidents involving infants or young children left in cars under the hot sun. To prevent such tragedies, CPD devices and systems are becoming mandatory in vehicles worldwide. In Europe, the Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) added a protocol for CPD in 2023, while proposed federal legislation in the U.S. would require all new passenger motor vehicles to be equipped with a child safety alert system, and in Japan school buses are required to be equipped with CPD devices.

Under these circumstances, AKM developed a CPD solution utilizing millimeter-wave radar transceiver technology which was unveiled in 2024 at CES, a major technology trade show. When AKM’s strengths of ultra-wide bandwidth and high-precision millimeter wave design technology are combined with Pontosense’s innovative algorithm software, the system can detect children left in cars within seconds.

Co-creation generates new technologies

“New technologies are created from various combinations of different technologies,” says Yumoto. “In addition to collaboration with other companies, we should proactively collaborate with different areas within the Asahi Kasei Group. CPD and monitoring solutions that we have been developing are contributing to life and living for people around the world, which is Asahi Kasei's Group Mission. Within the Asahi Kasei Group, there are many specialists in various businesses working to achieve the same Group Mission in other sectors including Homes and Health Care as well as the Material sector of AKM. By combining rich expertise and advanced technologies, we can create original value that is unique to the Asahi Kasei Group.” He looks forward to value creation exceeding expectations.

Audio and voice solutions created by professionals of sound and space

The automotive industry is said to be at a once-in-a-century turning point with the advent of CASE.* As the shift to electric drive requires vehicle weight reduction, the number of speakers and microphones in a vehicle is being decreased. The noise of EVs while driving is also different from that of internal combustion vehicles, causing significant changes to the audible environment inside vehicles. As such, there are increasing needs to create a comfortable and safe acoustic space for passengers to enjoy high-quality music or make hands-free calls.

Vehicle interiors are not well suited to acoustics, as wind noise, tire friction, and echoes are generated while driving. To provide a high-quality acoustic experience in such an environment, AKM offers solutions that combine automotive digital signal processors (DSPs) and speech processing software. AKM has a track record of almost 35 years with automotive DSPs and over 20 years with hands-free applications.

Listening closely to clients and responding to their needs

As a technical salesperson, Kazumichi Oguni works closely with vehicle manufacturers while coordinating with AKM's development, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams. He puts a lot of effort into researching and having discussions with the various suppliers that supply parts to the vehicle manufacturers, because he knows that it is important to customize proposals to match the different environment of each vehicle model in order to provide the optimum acoustic solution.

Oguni is excited to take on challenges with a healthy sense of urgency as he faces new competitors in the era of CASE. “With autonomous driving, the vehicle cabin becomes a space for enjoyment and relaxation. I anticipate there will be greater demand for higher quality acoustic environments, as more people listen to music or watch movies or sporting events inside the car. As audio specialists, we can contribute to our clients by enabling vehicles to have immersive and impressive sound.”

Outstanding technologies alone are not enough to pave a path to the future, it also requires the passions and strong beliefs of the people behind those technologies. Going beyond the boundaries of individual companies and businesses to work together, we will continue to take on challenges for the future of mobility through our semiconductor business.

• *Acronym for "connected, autonomous, shared, and electric" as key concepts for the future of mobility.

• Note:Titles and contents are current as of the interview date.