Check Engine Light? Welcome to the Future with Self-Monitoring Chips!

Have you ever been startled by that orange Check Engine Light (CEL)? It’s a common concern for drivers, often leading to hurried visits to the mechanic. As vehicle electronics become increasingly complex, it's essential to understand what may lie beneath that light. The Israeli company proteanTecs is revolutionizing automotive diagnostics by enabling silicon chips to self-report issues, potentially changing how we approach electronic repairs.

The Innovation: On-Chip Monitoring

- Traditional scan tools often only pinpoint a specific circuit, leaving mechanics guessing about repairs.
- ProteanTecs introduces tiny “agents” on chip surfaces that monitor various performance parameters:
- These agents check logic task speed, power consumption, and other health indicators.
- They occupy minimal space (1–1.5% of chip area) and have a negligible impact on chip performance.

How It Works: Data Learning

- The monitoring chips learn from vehicle testing data:
- What operations are performed
- Expected power usage and timing
- This information is stored in the cloud and continuously compared to real-time chip performance.
- Over-the-air (OTA) software impacts are also tracked, providing valuable insights for updates.

Predictive Maintenance: A Smart Approach

When anomalies are detected, different actions may take place:
- For non-critical systems, workarounds may be suggested.
- For critical systems, alerts could trigger the CEL while switching to backup systems.
- The Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) decides the best course of action, whether to inform drivers or trigger updates.

Looking Ahead: Automotive Applications

- ProteanTecs’ technology is already in use for non-critical products and will soon be applied to vehicles by 2026–2027.
- This rollout will coincide with new functional safety standards, enhancing the monitoring of deteriorating faults and ensuring safer, more reliable vehicles.

Cost-Effectiveness and Value

- The cost of adding these monitoring agents is minimal, but they offer significant data value—reducing warranty claims through accurate self-reporting.
- As vehicles evolve, expect fewer Electronic Control Units (ECUs) and lower costs for electronic repairs, with these chips enhancing the longevity and reliability of automotive systems.

Summary

ProteanTecs is leading an automotive revolution with self-monitoring silicon chips. By providing real-time insights into chip performance, this technology not only helps predict faults but also aims to enhance the overall reliability of vehicle electronics. Expect your next car to be smarter, and repairs to be less daunting.