ADAS and the Road to Autonomous Driving: Insights from Nexperia's Industry Expert Ahad Buksh

As automotive technology advances, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have become essential in the journey toward safer and more autonomous vehicles. By combining sensors, semiconductors, and sophisticated data processing, ADAS aims to assist drivers and, ultimately, reduce road accidents and fatalities. In parallel, the shift toward software-defined vehicles (SDVs) is transforming how features like ADAS are developed and deployed, offering greater flexibility and scalability through software updates and centralized architectures. These systems are foundational for achieving fully autonomous driving, supporting a range of functionalities from collision avoidance to adaptive cruise control.

In this interview, we spoke with a leading industry expert Ahad Buksh who is the Head of Automotive Business Development at Nexperia, a prominent semiconductor provider in the ADAS field. Our discussion covers recent advancements, the evolving role of semiconductors, regional adoption trends, regulatory influences, technical challenges, and the path to higher levels of vehicle autonomy. Here are the insights, shared through a Q&A format, shedding light on ADAS’s present and future in transforming the driving experience.

Connect with Ahad Buksh on LinkedIn to follow his insights and join the conversation on innovative automotive solutions.

Wevolver Team: Can you provide an overview of your role at Nexperia and your journey in the automotive sector?

Ahad Buksh: As the Head of Automotive Business Development at Nexperia, I lead a team of automotive application experts, responsible for creating application system solutions and providing trainings to drive growth in the automotive sector. My journey in the automotive and semiconductor industry spans over a decade, beginning with a technical foundation in electrical and computer engineering at Jacobs University and advanced specialization in power electronics for e-mobility at the Technical University of Munich.

At Nexperia, I started as a Global Marketing Manager, managing product introductions and fostering customer-centric innovation. Over the years, I have built a comprehensive understanding of the automotive semiconductor ecosystem, from power discrete products to cutting-edge ADAS applications. In my current role, I strive to anticipate market needs and develop strategies that position Nexperia as a key partner in enabling safer, smarter automotive solutions. My focus remains on leveraging technical expertise and market insights to shape the future of mobility.

Wevolver Team: What do you see as the most significant recent advancements in ADAS technology?

Ahad Buksh: The most significant advancements in ADAS technology focus on enhancing safety and reducing road fatalities. Key innovations include:

• Radars: Essential for detecting objects and measuring speed and distance, radars support adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance systems.

• Camera Systems: High-resolution, wide-field-of-view cameras with advanced dynamic ranges are critical for lane departure warnings, traffic sign recognition, and pedestrian detection.

• LiDARs: Offering precise 3D mapping of a vehicle's surroundings, LiDARs improve obstacle detection and navigation in autonomous driving.

• Ultrasonic Sensors: Commonly used in parking assistance, these sensors improve low-speed maneuvering safety.

These technologies collectively make ADAS more comprehensive and reliable, significantly improving driving safety and comfort.

Wevolver Team: How has the role of semiconductors evolved in the ADAS space, and where do you see the next big leap happening?

Ahad Buksh: Semiconductors are at the heart of ADAS. They make it possible to deploy these systems by enabling high-speed data processing, which is essential in handling the vast amounts of data gathered by ADAS sensors. The challenge is not just to collect this data but to process and interpret it accurately within milliseconds, so the vehicle can take necessary actions. This process requires state-of-the-art semiconductors that can handle complex tasks at an extraordinary speed.

Looking ahead, I see the next leap happening in two key areas: efficiency and miniaturization. The demand is growing for more compact, energy-efficient semiconductor solutions that can provide the same—if not better—performance within a smaller footprint. Miniaturized components reduce the weight of the system, which is particularly valuable for electric vehicles, and improve energy efficiency, which ultimately benefits the entire ADAS ecosystem.

Wevolver Team: What trends are shaping the future of ADAS, and how is Nexperia positioning itself in this space?

Ahad Buksh: Several trends are significantly influencing the future of ADAS, including:

• Advancements in Camera Systems: The number of cameras per vehicle is increasing. We're seeing higher dynamic range cameras, improved resolutions, enhanced fields of view, and specialized cameras for front vision, surround views, and driver monitoring systems.

• Developments in Radar Systems: There's a move towards standardizing frequency bands and shifting to 4D imaging radars, which provide more detailed environmental mapping.

• High-Speed Communication: With the growth of sensor data, there's a need for faster and more reliable communication protocols within the vehicle's network.

• Rapid LiDAR Adoption: It is estimated that in 2024 as many as 40 car OEMs were utilizing LiDAR technologies into their various car models compared to only 8 car OEMs three years ago in 2021. Vast majority of these car OEMs are Chinese EV OEMs (70%) which are paving the way for this incremental adoption in the coming years. LiDAR systems not only provide precise 3-D mapping of surroundings but offer redundancies which are critical for highly and fully automated driving

Nexperia is strategically positioned as a key semiconductor supplier, offering essential components for power management, signal conditioning, communication interfaces, and data-line protection—elements that are vital for ADAS functionality. We're expanding our power management portfolio by developing low-dropout regulators (LDOs), LED drivers, data converters, gate drivers, digital isolators, etc. to bring added value to ADAS applications.

Moreover, we're embracing the trend of miniaturization and design simplification by replacing traditional discrete solutions with integrated ones. Integrated power components, like eFuses, ideal diodes, integrated converters, and load switches, can take over tasks from the main processor, ensuring reliable and efficient performance.

Wevolver Team: Could you share your perspective on how ADAS adoption varies across different regions, and what factors drive those differences?

Ahad Buksh: ADAS adoption is indeed varied across regions, with some areas leading the way in integrating these systems into vehicles. China, for example, is ahead of the global curve in producing and selling electric vehicles (EVs), and the EV market there is incredibly competitive. In China, the competitive EV market drives rapid ADAS adoption. OEMs like Nio, Li Auto, Xpeng and Xiaomi differentiate their models by integrating advanced ADAS features, leading to faster implementation compared to conventional vehicles.

Regulations also play a significant role in driving adoption rates in various regions. For example, rear-view cameras are mandatory in the U.S., while the EU requires rear-view sensors or cameras. Blind-spot detection is also mandated in Japan and the U.S., whereas other regions have fewer ADAS-specific regulations, leading to slower adoption.

Finally, consumer expectations around safety and technology significantly impact ADAS adoption. In markets where consumers place a high value on safety features and cutting-edge technology, we see greater demand for ADAS-equipped vehicles. Electric vehicle buyers, in particular, tend to expect ADAS capabilities, given the perception that these features are part of a modern, premium driving experience.

Wevolver Team: How do global regulations impact ADAS development, and what challenges do companies like Nexperia face in ensuring compliance?

Ahad Buksh: Global regulations play a pivotal role in shaping ADAS development, acting as both a driver of innovation and a source of challenges. Multiple regulatory bodies, such as NHTSA (U.S.), Euro NCAP (Europe), UNECE’s General Safety Regulation (GSR), and C-NCAP (China), mandate rigorous safety and performance standards for ADAS features.

Key regulations include requirements for blind-spot assist, driver drowsiness detection, and intelligent speed assistance in Europe under GSR. Similarly, the U.S. mandates rear-view cameras, and Japan emphasizes blind-spot detection. These regulations not only compel manufacturers to integrate specific ADAS functionalities but also set the bar for quality, reliability, and testing.

Rigorous testing carried out by car assessment bodies ensures ADAS systems comply with safety, reliability, and performance standards for modern vehicles.

For companies like Nexperia, ensuring compliance involves adhering to stringent automotive quality standards. Our products meet 2x AEC-Q101 component qualification and deliver a defect rate at parts per billion (ppb), ensuring Zero Defect performance. The challenge lies in maintaining this level of reliability while innovating to meet evolving standards, which demands continual investment in R&D and comprehensive testing protocols.

Suggested reading: Semiconductor Resilience with Innovations in Testing Techniques and Packaging

Wevolver Team: What are the most pressing regulatory requirements for ADAS systems, and how do you see them evolving over the next few years?

Ahad Buksh: Current regulatory requirements for ADAS systems focus on improving driver and pedestrian safety. Features like blind-spot assist, driver drowsiness detection, and intelligent speed assistance are becoming baseline requirements, as seen with UNECE’s GSR in Europe. These mandates are critical in accelerating the adoption of ADAS technologies across all vehicle categories.

Over the next few years, we anticipate regulations will evolve to include:

• Advanced Driver Monitoring Systems: To detect driver distraction or impairment.

• Enhanced Collision Avoidance Systems: Expanding from accident mitigation to active prevention.

• Cybersecurity Standards: Addressing the growing concern of data security in connected vehicles.

These evolving standards will require manufacturers to stay ahead of regulatory trends by developing adaptable, future-proof technologies. At Nexperia, we’re proactively designing solutions that not only meet current regulations but can also accommodate these forthcoming changes, ensuring our partners are prepared for the next generation of ADAS demands.

Wevolver Team: What innovations are driving the performance of ADAS in areas like sensor fusion, machine learning, and real-time data processing?

Ahad Buksh: Several key innovations are advancing ADAS capabilities, particularly in sensor fusion, machine learning, and real-time data processing, each of which plays a vital role in creating safer and more autonomous driving experiences:

1. Sensor Fusion and Centralized Architecture:

   • Sensor Fusion ECUs (Electronic Control Units) and ADAS Domain Controllers are central to ADAS functionality. They enable a centralized architecture where data from various sensors—such as radar, cameras, and LiDAR—is processed and then communicated across the vehicle.

   • This centralized approach allows for faster and more accurate decision-making by combining and analyzing data from multiple sources to create a comprehensive picture of the vehicle's surroundings.

2. High-Speed Communication (Ethernet based) and Compact, Reliable Packages:

   • With the need to process massive amounts of data in real-time, high-speed communication between sensors and the ADAS domain controller is essential. Innovations here focus on ensuring rapid data transfer with minimal latency and interference, which is crucial for timely vehicle responses. Therefore, Automotive Ethernet is the right technology for communication protocols and poised to be the backbone for ADAS.

   • Smaller, more reliable semiconductor packages support these high-speed interactions and allow for efficient, space-saving designs suitable for the compact environments within vehicles.

3. Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Algorithms:

   • AI is having a transformative impact on ADAS. Machine learning algorithms can optimize computing power usage by prioritizing critical data and processing it in real-time, allowing for quicker, more accurate vehicle responses.

   • AI algorithms, trained on vast datasets, are increasingly able to predict and adjust to dynamic driving scenarios, improving safety and providing a smoother driving experience. These advancements in AI reduce the need for extensive computing resource extensions, making high-performance ADAS systems more cost-effective and accessible.

4. Enhanced Driving Performance:

   • By improving driving performance with similar computing power requirements, these innovations open the door for more cost-effective assistance systems that allow for higher levels of autonomy, supporting ADAS adoption across different vehicle segments.

These innovations collectively push the boundaries of what ADAS can achieve, moving us closer to higher levels of vehicle autonomy.

Wevolver Team: In your opinion, what will it take to achieve fully autonomous vehicles, and how far away are we from that goal?

Ahad Buksh: Achieving fully autonomous vehicles involves progressing through five levels of autonomy:

1. Level 1 (Assisted Driving): Driver assistance in certain situations.

2. Level 2 (Partly Automated Driving): The system can take over steering and acceleration/deceleration but requires constant driver supervision.

3. Level 3 (Highly Automated Driving): The system handles all aspects of driving in certain conditions, but the driver must be ready to take over.

4. Level 4 (Fully Automated Driving): The system can perform all driving tasks in specific conditions without driver intervention.

5. Level 5 (Autonomous Driving): The vehicle is capable of all driving tasks under all conditions without any human intervention.

Currently, we are between Level 2 and Level 3. While the technology for higher levels exists, it requires rigorous testing and validation before public road deployment.

ADAS features will be increasingly integrated into economy and mid-range vehicles in the coming years

ADAS features will be increasingly integrated into economy and mid-range vehicles in the coming years

Industry reports forecast that by 2030, only a small fraction of vehicles (around 5%) may have Level 3, 4, or 5 capabilities, while the majority (approximately 75%) will still operate at Levels 1, 2, or an enhanced “Level 2+.” We anticipate that the next decade will be crucial for ADAS, with broader adoption across premium, mid-range, and even economy segments.

Wevolver Team: How important are collaborations with OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and other stakeholders in accelerating ADAS development?

Ahad Buksh: Collaborations are absolutely crucial for the advancement of ADAS. Each stakeholder—whether it's semiconductor suppliers, System on Chip (SoC) providers, Tier-1 system suppliers, or OEMs—plays a key role in developing, testing, and implementing ADAS technologies. ADAS is a safety-critical application, meaning the entire functionality relies on a seamless integration of components and systems, and each feature is highly interdependent.

For example, features like Blind Spot Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Emergency Brake Assist can be realized through different system combinations, such as cameras, radars, LiDARs, or a mix of these technologies. The choice of systems might depend on the requirements set by OEMs, system suppliers, or SoC providers. Consequently, it’s essential to have a joint assessment of technical, operational, and cost requirements to facilitate ADAS adoption.

We’re already seeing significant collaborations in the market, like Volkswagen partnering with Mobileye, BYD with Huawei, Black Sesame with LeddarTech, and Honda with Renesas. These partnerships bring the expertise and resources to make ADAS capabilities accessible and reliable across diverse vehicle models.

Wevolver Team: How does business development, particularly in your role, contribute to identifying and addressing key market needs in the automotive sector?

Ahad Buksh: Business development plays an integral role in the success and expansion of ADAS technology. At Nexperia, the business development team is essential in connecting market demands with technical solutions. Their responsibilities include:

1. Identifying Technical and Market Trends: Business development teams closely monitor the latest trends in ADAS and other automotive applications, ensuring we understand emerging requirements and advancements that could shape the market.

2. Understanding Design Challenges: They work directly with engineering teams to highlight the design challenges in each application. For ADAS, this could mean identifying specific requirements for power management, data processing, or environmental robustness and providing solutions from Nexperia’s portfolio to address these challenges.

3. Targeting Key Customers: Identifying and engaging with established and emerging customers in the ADAS space is another critical role. By understanding each customer’s needs, the team can tailor solutions to fit specific applications, fostering stronger partnerships.

4. Cross-System Solutions and Regional Trends: The team provides system-level solutions that highlight how Nexperia’s products fit together in ADAS systems, allowing teams to maximize Nexperia’s offerings within a single application. They also evaluate regional trends to guide portfolio development, ensuring our products meet diverse market needs worldwide.

Through these efforts, business development drives alignment between our product offerings and market demands, ensuring we can proactively meet the needs of ADAS advancements.

As we move towards a world with Software Defined Vehicles (SDV), ADAS technologies will continue to evolve and play an integral part. Companies like Nexperia play a critical role in overcoming technical challenges and driving innovation in this evolution. Only through strategic collaborations, regulatory compliance, and a focus on efficient, reliable semiconductor solutions, the industry moves closer to a future of safer, more autonomous vehicles