Nuvoton Technology have launched 4th-gen Gerda HMI display ICs with image processing, security, and safety features to improve vehicle comfort and meet safety demands.
In response to changing needs for safety, comfort, and regulations in each country, the automotive industry is moving toward the introduction of driving support systems. HMI (Human Machine Interface) devices, which handle communication between drivers and devices, are required to display information in a way that drivers can recognize quickly and accurately. In addition, functionality is expanding through network connections. There is a need for these devices to be used in a range of vehicles, including low-cost vehicles such as motorcycles and small mobility vehicles. The challenge is to balance cost with added functions and security.
To meet these needs and address the issues, Nuvoton Technology Corporation Japan (NTCJ) developed three types of fourth-generation HMI display ICs in the “Gerda” series, which include image processing functions and security features, and has started mass production. Applications include car cluster meters, motorcycle cluster meters, electronic mirrors, head-up displays (HUD), and HVAC systems.
Visibility and comfort in HMI equipment are achieved through an image processing engine. This video processing technology is used for electronic mirrors, AR-HUDs, and cluster meters, which are increasing in use due to digitization of equipment installed in cars. These functions help create a driving environment focused on safety and comfort.
One function is its use in electronic mirrors. Conventional electronic mirrors had issues with visibility during nighttime use. Problems included glare from headlights and overexposed or underexposed areas caused by differences in brightness levels. The Gerda-4M addresses these issues by adjusting picture contrast by area, based on brightness distribution. This “local contrast” function is processed with low latency, within one video frame, allowing for real-time image adjustment.
The 4th generation Gerda supports Functional Safety ASIL-B and helps reduce vehicle cybersecurity risks. It includes functions such as video signal monitoring and alert display monitoring, supporting system features like fail-safe operation and real-time monitoring to meet ASIL-B requirements. Its built-in Hardware Security Module (HSM), which supports EVITA-Full, enables software updates over the network (OTA) and allows only trusted software to boot, helping to reduce cybersecurity risks.
