Has anyone heard how many computer chips are used in the Ultimate optioned Genesis?

[Jetjockey10]

I read in a WSJ article that 'thousands of computer chips' are used, but, I would like to see a more definitive estimate. Just wondering.

Regards,

Ray
2016 3.8 Ultimate RWD

 

[Mark_888]

The term "computer chip" is vague, as they can vary from a sophisticated CPU, to a very simple chip. But I am sure there are lots of them. There are probably hundreds in the audio system alone.

Do you mind saying why you are asking?

 

[Jetjockey10]

Hmmmm. I thought I did - Just wondering? Maybe I should have said, 'just curious'.

Regards,

Ray

 

[waz]

One less than infinite. Or Infiniti.

 

[Uchiha madara]

6 computer chips

5 computers and 1 ECU which is a computer either

 

[LarryJM]

I read in a WSJ article that 'thousands of computer chips' are used, but, I would like to see a more definitive estimate. Just wondering.

Regards,

Ray
2016 3.8 Ultimate RWD

Sort of depends on what you call a computer chip. If it's a solid state module that has some sort of processing or receives/transmits/processes the CAN information then I would guess around 30 or so. There appear to be two just in the 7.2" instrument display a MCU1 and MCU2. There are even modules in both the driver's and passenger seats and doors. Almost every function goes thru some sort of solid state control module such as the Smart Key, ESC, EPBS, EPS, SCC, Nav-A/V functions, LKAS, BSMS, CAS, etc., etc. The major "modules" are probably the ECU, BCM, and IGPM. Many, many of the old physical relay/switch/fuse separate components are now combined into a single EPS solid state device and those are everywhere.

Needless to say the 2015+ Genesis is not your Grandpa's Model "T".

Larry

 

[Mark_888]

As I mentioned above, it depends on what is meant by "computer chip."

Before chips (integrated circuits) were developed, electrical circuits consisted of discrete individual components such as transistors, resistors, capacitors, diodes, etc. There are still many circuit boards used today that still have some of these individual components on them right along side an integrated circuit.

Integrated circuits (or chips) combine many individual components into a single device (usually built on silicone) with multiple pinouts that are typically connected to a circuit board. So technically, a chip can contain only two such individual components built on silicone and be called a chip (although no one would make a chip with such a small number of integrated components).

There are CPU chips that have millions of components built into them (many of them transistors), or there can be much simpler chips. There are memory chips that have a large number of components, but not much logic built into them.

If you were to look into a desktop computer, there would be many chips or integrated circuits installed on the motherboard. A single stick of memory (DIMM) may contain a dozen or more memory chips. On the bottom of a disk drive is a circuit board that has maybe a dozen or more chips (same with a DVD drive). I believe there is a chip on the Genesis key fob circuit board.

For a chip that has some logic built into it, they are usually divided into fixed logic chips, and general purpose CPU chips that can be programmed externally (such as made by Intel or AMD). A desktop computer has one general purpose CPU, but many fixed logic chip devices.

My guess is that the Lexicon surround sound system has the largest number of chips in the Genesis, both logic and memory types.

So to get to the number of thousand's of computer chips inside a Genesis, I think they are using the broad definition of a chip as described above (multiple components built on a single silicone chip or integrated circuit), and not the narrow definition of them all being general purpose programmable CPU chips. But even using the CPU definition, there are probably dozens.

 

[Crusty Old Shellback]

I have to agree with Mark on this one. I know, first time for everything.

Actual CPU's, there's probably a dozen, but each one is comprised of multiple IC chips. Hell, today, even the resistors are now IC chips with multiple resistors on each one.

So as far as actual IC chips, there's probably 100K IC chips on the complete car.

 

[Jetjockey10]

I have to agree with Mark on this one. I know, first time for everything.

Actual CPU's, there's probably a dozen, but each one is comprised of multiple IC chips. Hell, today, even the resistors are now IC chips with multiple resistors on each one.

So as far as actual IC chips, there's probably 100K IC chips on the complete car.

Wow. That makes that increased 2016 warranty for the radio/Nav/DVD increase from 36 months to 60 months even more important. Especially when the dealers offer the double warranty.

Thanks.

Ray