Enhancing In-Cabin Experience With Smarter Chips

TI's new edge AI-enabled radar sensor and automotive audio SoCs reimagine safer driving environments and premium audio experiences

Texas Instruments unveiled four integrated automotive chips in a virtual event, designed to reimagine in-cabin experience for both drivers and passengers. The high-tech chips were also showcased at the Consumer Electronics Show 2025 held in Las Vegas. The line-up included the AWRL6844 millimetre-wave radar sensor with AI-enhanced safety features, the AM275x-Q1 MCUs and the AM62D-Q1- a family of MCUs featuring the powerful C7X DSP core for premium audio- and the innovative TAS6754-Q1 audio amplifier with proprietary 1L modulation technology.

Alluding to the matter, a company official said, “The new-age automotive chips centre around advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and infotainment and cluster. As consumers, we expect a lot from our vehicles and this innovation is driven by two key factors. First, new government regulations and car assessment programmes mandate improvements in passenger safety, requiring more accurate and robust in-cabin sensing systems to monitor a variety of situations. Second, there is a growing demand for premium audio experiences as in-car systems now often surpass home audio systems in quality, delivering unparalleled experiences across a wide range of vehicles.”

“Our silicon solutions are designed to empower designers to enhance the overall in-vehicle experience without compromise. To that end, we are excited to debut three new automotive products,” he added.

Radar sensor

The AWRL6844 is designed to help customers deliver a safe and feature-rich user experience. It aims to enhance the user experience visually and improve safety. The company highlighted that OEMS face challenges in meeting stringent requirements while minimising cost and design complexity. Moreover, requirements for transference detection would award points only for direct sensing systems capable of detecting the presence of a human inside a vehicle by tracking signs of life such as artery aspiration rates and movements. Future in-cabin sensing systems would need to accurately differentiate between children and adults to enhance user experience and safety.

The AWRL6844 is the industry’s first single-chip solution that supports these three key applications, which has been achieved through the integration of AI into the silicon, claimed the company.

The sensor integration was said to provide optimal spatial resolution, delivering dense point cloud data for applications in a cost-effective manner while leveraging edge AI processing. This high-resolution data feeds into AI-driven algorithms on a customisable, on-chip auto accelerator and DSP, enabling local data processing. This approach, allows automotive systems to achieve advanced sensing with a single chip solution, reducing system cost and complexity.

The AWRL6844 will help OEMs could deliver seamless detection, validation and classification, simplifying sensing topologies and modalities used today or in the future.

For instance, the system can detect localised occupants with up to 98 percent accuracy to minimise detection errors. This eliminates uncertainty related to seatbelt detection when a non-human object is on the seat. When the car is parked, the sensor uses neural networks to classify adults and children with high accuracy, trained to detect micro-movements and distinguish between them. The device also enhances detection in blind spots, preventing children from being left unattended in vehicles.

Audio processor

On the other hand, the AM275x-Q1 MCU and AM62D-Q1 processors enable leveraging advanced audio features that enhance in-cabin experience. Another company official noted, “Audio is increasingly used in cars to enhance safety with features like door chimes and seatbelt reminders as well as to improve passenger comfort across vehicle fleets. These features are no longer limited to luxury vehicles. Our solutions bring premium audio capabilities across the entire OEM vehicle line-up, leveraging a unified software investment.” 

“At the core of this innovation our C7x DSP core. It supports a higher number of speakers and multiple audio zones, delivering high-quality sound throughout the vehicle. The C7x DSP achieves 4-8 times the processing performance of competing devices, enabling the management of multiple audio features within a single core, thus reducing the need for external components,” the official added.

The C7x DSP’s performance is made possible by its 256-bit vector architecture and single-cycle memory access, alongside pipeline optimisations that drive industry-leading audio benchmarks. Additionally, the integrated neural processing unit allows customers to develop and execute AI algorithms on the same platform. This high processing capability reduces component requirements for automotive audio systems while enabling advanced features like real-time tuning, spatial audio and latency-reduced ANC. 

“This is especially critical for EVs, which often lack passive sound-dampening materials, relying instead on active solutions to maintain cabin quietness. TI’s solutions also support Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) for external pedestrian alerts, making them integral to modern EV designs,” added the official.

The AM275x-Q1 MCU is a DDR-less single-chip solution tailored for high-performance audio applications, supporting up to 32 channels. Its integrated 4.5 MB SRAM and up to 6 MB L3 memory eliminate the need for external memory, reducing system complexity. In contrast, the AM62D-Q1 processor is DDR-based and suited for applications requiring large memory sizes such as high-resolution playback or simultaneous AI and audio processing. With a high-speed DDR4 controller, it ensures real-time compute capabilities and smooth performance. 

The company claimed that both chips will enable engineers to design premium audio systems with minimal investment in hardware and software. 

The TAS6754-Q1 Class D amplifier’s modulation technology reduces the number of required inductors by half. This advancement enables more compact, lightweight and cost-efficient designs without compromising audio quality. Additionally, the amplifier incorporates real-time load diagnostics, streamlining design processes and enhancing efficiency to meet OEM demands effectively.

Commenting on the new products, Senior Vice President of TI’s Embedded Processing Amichai Ron said, “Today’s drivers expect any car – entry-level to luxury, combustion to electric – to have enhanced in-cabin experiences. TI continues to provide innovative technologies to enable the future of the automotive driving experience. Our edge AI-enabled radar sensors allow automakers to make vehicles safer and more responsive to the driver, while our audio systems-on-chip elevate the drive through more immersive audio. Together they create a whole new level of in-cabin experiences.”

The chips are available at the company’s website.

Bharat Forge Subsidiary JS Auto Cast Secures INR 3 Billion From Premji Invest

JS Auto Cast

JS Auto Cast Foundry India (JSA), a subsidiary of Bharat Forge, has raised INR 3 billion crore in equity from Premji Invest (PI). Following the primary infusion of capital, Premji Invest will hold a 23 percent stake in the company on a fully diluted basis.

JSA is a supplier of ferrous castings for the industrial and automotive sectors. The company intends to use the capital to expand casting capacity, invest in medium casting capabilities, and pursue industry consolidation through acquisitions.

Since its acquisition by Bharat Forge in 2022, JSA has reported growth in revenue, exports, and profitability with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 17 percent, 24 percent and 25 percent respectively.

Amit Kalyani, Vice Chairman & Joint Managing Director, Bharat Forge, said, “Since 2022 when we acquired JSA, the company has delivered excellent financial performance with topline, exports and profitability growing at a CAGR of 17 percent, 24 percent and 25 percent respectively, while enhancing its product mix and customer base. We are delighted to partner with Premji Invest (PI), a renowned and highly respected investor, in the next phase of JSA’s growth journey.”

The investment aligns with Premji Invest’s strategy of collaborating with engineering and manufacturing conglomerates on growth and consolidation initiatives.

Manoj Jaiswal, Partner, Premji Invest, said, “We are excited to partner with Bharat Forge, a premier engineering and manufacturing conglomerate in the country. Collaborating with leading conglomerates on their growth and consolidation journey is one of our strategic pillars. Through our investment in JSA, we look forward to jointly building a leading ferrous casting platform in the country.”

Schaeffler - SIAT

Tier 1 supplier Schaeffler India is showcasing a range of motion technologies at the Symposium on International Automotive Technology (SIAT) 2026. The company's exhibit at Hall Zone D includes electrification solutions such as drives, motors and modules, alongside powertrain systems for internal combustion engines and hybrid vehicles.

The portfolio on display features chassis components, sensors, fuel delivery modules, and bearings designed to reduce friction in vehicles. The company is highlighting its local engineering capabilities and its work with manufacturers to develop mobility solutions within India.

Company executives are participating in the symposium's technical programme. Madhurisha Vippatoori, Chief Technical Officer, is chairing the Testing and Evaluation track. Deepak Kasturi, Head of Innovation India, is delivering a keynote address regarding Euro 7 standards and real-time emissions monitoring.

The company stated that its presence at the event reflects its focus on engineering innovation, energy efficiency and collaborative development with automotive customers and academia.

Harsha Kadam, CEO & MD, Schaeffler India, said, “As a leading mobility solutions provider in India, we at Schaeffler are proud to be associated with all the leading automotive customers in shaping the future of mobility. We are equally committed to supporting our customers across various types of powertrains that will support cleaner, electrified, and intelligent mobility. Together, we are shaping a more secure, sustainable, and future-ready India.”

Viswanathan Sambasivam, Division Head - Powertrain & Chassis India, said, “SIAT provides an ideal platform to demonstrate how we are shaping mobility for India. Our focus is on co-engineering with OEMs, accelerating technology transfer, and strengthening local value creation. The solutions we are bringing this year represent the next step in advancing clean, safe, and smarter mobility.”

Omkar Kulkarni, Division Head - E-Mobility India, said, “India is one of our most important engineering hubs. Our teams here are working closely with customers to design for India, build in India, and innovate for India. The technologies displayed at SIAT underline our ability to combine global expertise with local development capabilities.”

Indian Auto Component Industry Set To Showcase Its Prowess At ACMA Automechanika New Delhi 2026

ACMA Automechanika

The Indian automotive component industry was valued at USD 80.2 billion in FY2025, with the aftermarket segment contributing USD 11.8 billion. Data from the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) indicates the sector grew by 6.8 percent to reach USD 41.2 billion in the first half of FY2026. Industry projections suggest the component market will reach between USD 111 billion and USD 200 billion by 2030.

Against this growth, the ACMA Automechanika New Delhi 2026 trade fair will take place from 5 to 7 February 2026 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. Organised by Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India and ACMA, the event will host more than 870 exhibitors. The fair serves as a platform for manufacturers, distributors and service providers to showcase innovations in spare parts, electronics, diagnostics and workshop equipment.

The exhibition will feature participation from 20 countries, including Germany, Japan, Korea and the USA. Dedicated pavilions will highlight technologies from nations such as China, Italy and Taiwan. The event focuses on electrification, alternative fuels and digital authentication. Exhibitors will display ethanol-ready components, hydrogen systems and electric vehicle charging solutions.

Raj Manek, Executive Director and Board Member of Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings, said, “As India prioritises quality-led development across sectors, ACMA Automechanika New Delhi 2026 will showcase how the auto components and aftermarket industry is advancing in sync with global trends. The show will unite visitors and exhibitors in a massive international gathering, converging cutting-edge innovations, sustainable component solutions and clean-fuel ecosystems. Global participants are increasingly drawn to India's pivotal role in this transition, with organisations showing strong enthusiasm for tech-driven solutions to combat climate change and build a thriving and a cleaner future”.

Vinnie Mehta, Director General of ACMA, added, "India’s automotive aftermarket is moving towards a more structured, quality-driven and globally aligned future. The auto component industry grew by 6.8 percent to USD 41.2 billion in the first half of FY26, supported by stable domestic demand, a resilient aftermarket and sustained investments in capacity expansion, localisation and technology upgradation. ACMA Automechanika New Delhi provides an important platform for industry stakeholders to engage with emerging technologies, regulatory developments and global market opportunities”.

Sona Comstar Reports 39% Revenue Growth In Q3 FY2026

Sona Comstar

Sona BLW Precision Forgings (Sona Comstar) has announced its financial results for Q3 FY2026, reported revenue of INR 12.09 billion, a 39 percent increase YoY.

The company’s EBITDA grew by 25 percent to INR 3.2 billion with a margin of 25.2 percent, while net profit rose by 20 percent to INR 1.8 billion. Revenue from Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) represented 38 percent of total turnover.

In the first 9-months of FY2026, the company secured six new programmes, bringing the total to 65 across 33 different customers. Additionally, Sona Comstar was awarded a programme from a new customer to supply hydraulic motor controller.

Vivek Vikram Singh, MD & Group CEO, Sona Comstar, said, “We achieved our highest-ever quarterly revenue, EBITDA, and adjusted net profit in Q3 FY2026. Our revenue grew strongly by 39 percent YoY, primarily driven by the expansion of our electric vehicle traction motor and railway business in India. BEV revenue share improved meaningfully to 38 percent in Q3 from 32 percent in Q2FY2026 and represents our second-best quarter till date in terms of absolute BEV revenue and share. We have commercialised a new product in this quarter, the hydraulic motor controller, leveraging our strengths in motors and controllers to develop the solution for a new application outside the current product portfolio. We continue to add new EV customers and win new EV programs from our existing EV customers. Moreover, we commenced sample production of in-cabin radar sensors in our new SMT line at Chennai facility in this quarter, making us one of the few automotive radar manufacturers in India with local SMT manufacturing capability.”