国内芯片企业加速入局车规级UWB市场

Core Insights - The automotive industry is undergoing a transformation driven by the "new four modernizations," with increasing semiconductor content in vehicles, projected to rise from under $500 for traditional fuel vehicles to over $1,500 for smart electric vehicles [1] - The introduction of the "Dubhe" UWB SoC chip by Gateron aligns with the growing demand for high-precision, bidirectional positioning in smart vehicles, marking a significant opportunity in the automotive semiconductor market [1] Industry Trends - UWB technology, initially introduced in 1989, gained mainstream attention in 2019 with Apple's UWB chip, and has since penetrated the automotive sector, starting with BMW's digital key feature in 2021 [1] - The adoption of UWB technology is expanding among mid to high-end vehicles, with brands like BYD, Mercedes-Benz, and others incorporating UWB as standard or optional features [2] - The penetration rate of UWB digital keys was only 2.1% in 2022, with a market size of $0.96 million, but is expected to exceed 50% penetration and reach a market size of $22.56 million by 2027 due to technological advancements and cost reductions [2] Company Developments - Gateron has established a dedicated UWB development team of over 100 experts, including 50 specialists in wireless communication, to capitalize on the growing UWB market [2] - The company has filed over 60 patents in the UWB field, including two essential patents, indicating a strong commitment to innovation and market leadership [2] - The domestic UWB chip market is still in its early stages, with companies like NXP and Qorvo previously dominating, but local firms are now entering the space, aiming for domestic substitution opportunities [3] - Gateron's UWB chip, "Dubhe," is expected to begin mass production by the end of this year, following sample delivery in July [3]