Computer Chips Inside Cars

Vintage Computer Chip Collectibles, Memorabilia & Jewelry

Computer Chips​inside Cars

Ealry Hybrid Integrated Circuit in a GM automotive computer module (1978)

Computer chips have been used in cars since the 1970s. Soild state computers were initially used to control the engine's fuel injection system and to monitor the car's performance.Over time, the use of computer chips in cars has expanded to include a wide range of functions, such as controlling the transmission, adjusting for best engine performance, monitoring anti-lock brakes, and providing information to the driver, ignition and remote entry security systems, as well as infotainment and GPS location / route mapping.​In recent years, computer chips have been used to enable advanced features such as autonomus driving systems, self-parking, lane-keeping, and adaptive cruise control.​

​ Motorola, Intel and others team up with the car makers...Putting the first Microprocessor chips in cars ​

Ford & Motorola PTEC Automotive Microcontroller chips (1994) ​​​In 1976, General Motors (GM) announced a new partnership with Motorola Semiconductor to develop a Custom Microcomputer for use in their vehicles. By 1981, all GM vehicles would be equipped with their new Computer Command Control System ("CCC") emission control system that featured an ECM (Electronic Control Module) that featured a Motorola 6802 based 8-bit microprocessor manufactured by Delco Electronics. By 1986, Delco Elctronics was reported to have been manufacturing automotive Integrated Circuits at a rate of 250,000 per day. During the late 1980's, GM and Chrysler ECM's would both begin using the 16-bit Motorola 68HC11 microcontroller chip in their vehicles.In 1983, Intel and Ford started a joint venture building EEC ( Electronic Engine Control) units now known as ECU (Electronic control Units). These ECU's used custom Intel 8061 microcontroller chips (a derivative of the Intel 8096 Micro-controller) and later used 8065, 83251, 8051, & 80515 microcontroller chips for its processing functions. The 8061 micro-controllers and its derivatives were used in almost all Ford automobiles built from 1983 thru 1994. In 1985, Ford Microelectronics announced they would start to design and oversee the manufacture of gallium arsenide based Integrated Circuits at their Colorado Springs CO. plant for use in their own cars and aerospace products. Ford Microelectronics was formed in 1982 to develop custom integrated circuits for automotive uses and for Ford Aerospace.In 1994, in a last attempt to save the slowing EEC IV microcontroller, Ford used two Intel 8065 16-bit chips inside the controller. Shortly thereafter, Ford would be ready to end their long use of Intel micro-controllers and transition to using Motorola's new 32-bit PTEC controllers. In 2005, Intel announced they were discontinuing production of all automotive versions of their microcontroller chips.Previously in 1991, Ford's Electronics Division had announced they would partner with Motorola Semiconductor Products Sector to supply them with future electronic engine & transmission microcontroller chips to be used in Ford's upcoming Powertrain Electronics Controller (PTEC). The PTEC controller was originally going to use the MC88300 32-bit embedded RISC chip that Motorola had in development but would later cancel. Ford choose instead to use Motorola's new custom designed 32-bit RISC based PowerPC processor chip. PTEC microcontrollers were used in Ford vehicles starting in 1994, replacing the Intel designed EEC IV microcontroller chips that Ford had used since back in 1983. A computerized Bosch ABS break system computer with Integrated Circuit chips (1978)

​Where Semiconductors are used inside Modern Automobiles

Powertrain: Engine control (Engine, Fuel injection, Knock control) HEV /EV motor Transmission Electronic System: ​Alternator / Battery / Starter Lighting Diagnostics In-Car data bus​ ​Safety and Control: Airbag TPMS Collision warning Parking assist Rear view monitor Night vision ​Comfort and Control: Power door locks Power window Seat control Climate control Mirror control Wiper control ​

​Chassis: Steering / EPS Brake / ABS Traction control Suspension Chassis control Networking: CAN LIN MOST Bluetooth WI-FI and hotspot FlexRay Safe-By-Wire Navigation display ​Infotainment: Dashboard digital display Car Audio Connectivity audio Entertainment ITS / GPS ​Security and control: Anti-theft iginition Key-less entry Remote start Remote monitoring and tracking