Chip Talk > CAST Revolutionizes Automotive Safety with Advanced ASIL-Certified IP Cores
Published June 06, 2025
In a world where automotive safety is paramount, embedding safety at the core of our vehicle systems is a non-negotiable necessity. As the demand for safer and more reliable vehicles grows, the semiconductor industry must continue to innovate. Companies involved in semiconductor intellectual property (IP) are at the forefront of this innovation, providing critical components that help meet rigorous automotive safety standards.
The semiconductor IP core provider, CAST, has recently expanded its Functional Safety line, introducing several new ASIL-certified IP cores that specifically address the needs of the automotive industry. These latest advancements are geared towards helping automotive engineers save substantial time and resources during the development of Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL) conforming systems based on Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) and Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs).
Read more about CAST's new developments here.
Functional Safety standards like ISO 26262 are designed to ensure systems can mitigate the risks associated with automotive failures. ASIL classifications range from A (the lowest risk) to D (the highest risk), based on severity, exposure, and controllability criteria. Achieving certification requires assurance of single-point and latent failures' target values.
CAST’s certified IP cores fulfill these requirements, offering levels from ASIL B to ASIL D, across various technologies including the new Smart Card Reader, Gigabit Ethernet Media Access Controller, and Serial Memory Controller.
Why should companies consider investing in ASIL-certified IP cores? First and foremost is the reduction in the developmental burden. CAST’s cores include the essential safety features, comprehensive documentation, and have undergone rigorous third-party testing by SGS-TÜV Saar, an independent body known for its stringent audits.
By embedding safety features into the cores, companies like CAST provide substantial savings. Developers can bypass the necessity for building safety measures from scratch, compiling the requisite documentation, and the need for additional certification, which not only saves time but also reduces costs.
Nikolas Zervas, CAST’s CEO, pointed out that their FuSa-certified cores have saved customers countless hours of high-level development work. Their extensive portfolio covers a broad spectrum of automotive safety needs, from processors to bus controllers, shipping with necessary documentation required for further integration into vehicle systems.
Such advancements spell an exciting future for automotive safety, as these cores can significantly accelerate developmental timelines and allow automotive companies to focus more on innovation rather than certification bottlenecks.
In conclusion, the integration of ASIL-certified IP cores within automotive systems marks a critical step towards improved safety and reliability. As technology continues to evolve, staying ahead in implementing these safety features can provide a competitive edge, lower costs, and simpler certification paths. Companies like CAST, by expanding their FuSa certified lineup, are setting a high benchmark in the industry, promising great improvements in automotive safety hereafter.
For additional details about CAST's functional safety offerings, refer here.
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