Telechips Unveils AXON: Korea’s First High-Performance Mobility Network Processor
Telechips, a leading provider of semiconductor solutions, has officially introduced AXON (TCN100x), a state-of-the-art network processor specifically designed to cater to the evolving demands of mobility applications. With the rapid shift towards Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs) and next-generation Electronic/Electrical (E/E) architectures, AXON aims to provide automakers and top-tier suppliers with an advanced networking solution that enhances both performance and safety while meeting the most stringent industry standards.
Unparalleled Safety and Performance Compliance
AXON stands out as a highly advanced network System on Chip (SoC), supporting the highest safety standard, ASIL-D, as outlined in ISO 26262. This certification underscores its compliance with rigorous automotive safety requirements, ensuring reliability for critical vehicle networking applications. As the industry moves toward increased automation and electrification, adhering to the ASIL-D standard becomes crucial for manufacturers aiming to enhance vehicle safety and operational integrity.
This innovative network processor enables seamless connectivity within vehicles by delivering high-performance data processing, expanded network bandwidth, and ultra-low latency. The inclusion of real-time security measures ensures that network integrity is not compromised, making it an ideal solution for modern automobiles that demand reliable and secure in-vehicle communication systems.
Advanced Network Architecture for Modern Vehicles
One of AXON’s key differentiating features is its integration of multi-channel Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) Ethernet, along with dedicated hardware network switches for Controller Area Network (CAN) and Local Interconnect Network (LIN). These elements collectively ensure robust and highly efficient in-vehicle networking, facilitating smooth data flow among various electronic control units (ECUs).
Telechips’ network SoC is designed to cater to next-generation SDV architectures by offering exceptional processing capabilities. It incorporates the latest high-performance Cortex-A65AE multicore and multi-domain Microcontroller Unit (MCU) cores, developed by UK-based semiconductor giant ARM. These processing cores empower AXON with ultra-low latency capabilities and ensure stable, high-speed in-vehicle data management.
Beyond its core processing capabilities, AXON supports Over-the-Air (OTA) updates, diagnostics, network management, and application integration. This feature set positions AXON as an optimal solution for automotive manufacturers transitioning toward SDVs, as it allows for remote software updates, continuous system improvements, and efficient vehicle diagnostics without requiring physical intervention.
A Competitive Edge Over Market Alternatives
Compared to existing solutions from competitors, AXON provides remarkable performance enhancements. It delivers double the application processing capability, 1.5 times the number of Ethernet channels, and more than 2.5 times the bandwidth of traditional offerings. These advantages effectively address the constraints of domain-based architectures and accelerate the industry’s shift toward zonal network architectures.
Zonal architectures are a fundamental component of SDVs, enabling more streamlined and efficient vehicle data communication. AXON facilitates this transformation by reducing dependency on legacy domain-based architectures, paving the way for next-generation automotive designs that emphasize modularity, scalability, and enhanced cybersecurity.
Strengthening Cybersecurity with Cutting-Edge Protections
As modern vehicles incorporate increasing levels of connectivity, cybersecurity becomes a paramount concern for manufacturers and consumers alike. Recognizing this, Telechips has equipped AXON with robust security features designed to safeguard in-vehicle networks from potential cyber threats.
A notable addition is the Intrusion Detection System (IDS), which is complemented by a dedicated Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) engine. This combination enhances the detection and prevention of malicious intrusions, ensuring secure communication within the vehicle’s network. Furthermore, AXON integrates advanced security protocols, including Media Access Control Security (MACsec) and Internet Protocol Security (IPsec), providing end-to-end encryption and data protection against unauthorized access or tampering.
These cybersecurity measures are essential in today’s automotive industry, where vehicles increasingly rely on cloud connectivity, OTA updates, and external data exchanges. By implementing state-of-the-art security solutions, AXON significantly mitigates the risk of cyber threats, reinforcing vehicle reliability and consumer trust.
Cost-Efficient Design and Streamlined Manufacturing
Beyond its impressive performance and security capabilities, AXON introduces a cost-efficient approach to in-vehicle networking. The SoC architecture is specifically designed to minimize reliance on external integrated circuits (ICs), significantly reducing overall system costs and simplifying the development process.
This reduction in the Bill of Materials (BOM) translates to tangible cost savings for automotive manufacturers. With fewer external components required, OEMs can optimize their system designs and accelerate development timelines, ultimately bringing innovative vehicle models to market more quickly and cost-effectively.
By leveraging AXON’s efficiency, manufacturers gain a competitive advantage in delivering high-performance, cost-optimized vehicle networking solutions that align with the growing demands of the automotive industry.
Telechips’ Strategic Vision for the Future
Telechips has consistently demonstrated its commitment to advancing automotive semiconductor technology, and AXON represents a pivotal step in the company’s strategic expansion. The introduction of this high-performance networking solution marks Telechips’ continued effort to solidify its position as a leading High-Performance Computing (HPC) semiconductor provider for the SDV era.
JK Lee, CEO of Telechips, expressed the company’s vision by stating, “To secure a competitive edge in the SDV era, we are building sustained growth momentum in the automotive market through in-depth market analysis, bold investments, and technological innovation. Following our success in infotainment, we are expanding our high-performance networking product portfolio and strengthening global partnerships to position Telechips as a leading HPC company with core semiconductor capabilities for the SDV era.”
This statement highlights Telechips’ forward-thinking approach, emphasizing technological innovation, strategic investments, and global collaborations as key drivers of future success. The company’s proactive efforts to enhance its product portfolio reflect a clear dedication to meeting the evolving needs of automotive manufacturers and advancing the industry toward the next generation of vehicle networking.
Telechips’ AXON (TCN100x) represents a significant breakthrough in automotive network processing technology. With its unparalleled safety compliance, high-performance capabilities, extensive network support, advanced cybersecurity features, and cost-efficient architecture, AXON is well-positioned to drive the transition toward SDVs and next-generation E/E architectures.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the need for reliable, high-speed, and secure vehicle networking solutions becomes increasingly critical. AXON not only addresses these challenges but also sets a new benchmark for network processors, providing automakers with a future-ready solution tailored to the demands of modern mobility.
By integrating cutting-edge technology with a cost-effective design, Telechips ensures that its automotive partners can achieve optimal network performance while minimizing development complexities and expenses. As the industry moves toward a software-driven future, solutions like AXON will play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of intelligent, connected, and highly secure vehicles.
