LG Electronics Commercializes Antenna-Integrated 'Smart Telematics'... Achieves 80% Software Reuse Rate

LG Electronics is accelerating its push into the global market through 'Telematics' technology, which is responsible for vehicle communications. In the field of telematics—a core communication device that controls and updates all electronic equipment in a vehicle via software—LG Electronics is widening the technological gap with its antenna integration technology and high software reuse rate.

'Smart Telematics' with Integrated Antenna... Surpassing Vehicle Design Limits

According to a video released on the LG Group YouTube channel, the LG Electronics VS (Vehicle component Solutions) division has recently successfully commercialized 'Smart Telematics' that integrates the antenna into a single unit. While existing vehicles had antennas protruding in a 'shark fin' shape on the roof, LG Electronics has implemented a method to house this inside the telematics product.

Research Fellow Seong Ha-jong explained in the video, "As communication technologies such as 6G advance, the number of antennas will inevitably continue to increase. This is the result of preparing in advance to meet the requirements of reducing installation burdens by housing all antennas inside the telematics instead of exposing them externally." This technology is cited as a case where proactively reflecting customer requirements led to securing orders.

In particular, LG Electronics also sought differentiation in hardware design. To allow application not only to new vehicles but also to existing ones, they applied a 'modular design' where the antenna board and the main body can be attached and detached like LEGO blocks. LG Electronics stated that it holds patents for this and has achieved the effect of increasing hardware design commonality and shortening development speed.

Securing Over 80% Reuse Rate Using Software Platform ATP

LG Electronics' technological competitiveness is even more prominent in its software platform, 'ATP'. By designing the existing telematics platform ATP so that only the interface needs to be adjusted while maintaining the core, LG Electronics has raised the software reuse rate to over 80%. Thanks to this structure, rapid response is possible even in situations where migration to chips from other companies is required.

Research Fellow Seong emphasized, "Since our internal personnel directly develop both the hardware and software of the communication module, we can respond much faster than other companies when issues arise." This is explained as a unique strength of LG Electronics that differentiates it from other companies that purchase and use modules from external sources, as the expertise of engineers who previously conducted the smartphone business is being passed down to the VS division's telematics technology.

Additionally, high-precision positioning technology, which is essential in the era of autonomous driving, is included in the telematics. Advanced communication technology is being applied to meet the requirements of autonomous driving, which must accurately distinguish which lane a vehicle is currently located in.

Engineering Capabilities That Passed Extreme Environment Tests and 'Emotional Account' Management

LG Electronics' technological prowess was also verified through extreme environment tests. The video introduced test cases such as monitoring while charging electric vehicles in environments with strong direct sunlight, such as Silicon Valley in the United States or desert regions in the Middle East. It was reported that there was a crisis where product operation almost became impossible due to higher-than-expected temperatures at the time, but engineers resolved the problem through design changes utilizing hardware and semiconductor specifications, such as enlarging the internal solder pads.

It was also mentioned that these technological achievements stem from trust and collaboration among members. Woo Han-bae, a manager overseeing software development, introduced the concept of an 'emotional account' while emphasizing the sense of solidarity with personnel at overseas sites such as Vietnam. The logic is that if one builds rapport and saves trust with colleagues normally, smooth collaboration is possible even during urgent work requests or difficult situations.

Manager Woo stated, "Building human bonds by going hiking or having meals together on weekends is the secret to increasing work synergy," noting that such networks and experiences are important assets as an engineer.