Tesla Motors, according to Andrew Rassweiler, senior director for materials and cost benchmarking at IHS, is run more like a Silicon Valley tech company than a typical automobile maker. Rassweiler points out that the cost structure of the electronics (in the Tesla Model S), the use of large displays in the cabin, the touch-screen-based controls, the mobile microchips—everything in the design makes the Tesla experience more like a media tablet or high-end smartphone than a traditional automobile.
While the power lift gate module is not the flashiest piece of electronics in the car, the teardown reveals some sophisticated control technology, power management, and packaging.
(For more information on the IHS Tesla Model S teardown, visit the IHS Technology page.)
Summary points:
- Tesla 2013 Model S Power Liftgate Module Qualcomm MSM8974 core processor
- Freescale MC9S12XEP100CAG 16-bit MCU
- Freescale MC33742PEG System Basis Chip
Target market: Automotive OEM
Availability: Automotive OEM
Total cost (direct materials and manufacturing): $33.85
Major Components:
- MCU, 16-bit HCS12X CPU, 50 MHz, 1 MB Flash, 64 KB RAM, 16-channel 12-bit ADC, Automotive – MFG: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR INC. – MPN: MC9S12XEP100CAG – (Qty: 1)
- Relay, Dual SPDT, 12 V, 20 A, Automotive – MFG: PANASONIC CORP. – MPN: ACT512 – (Qty: 2)
- PCB, 6-layer, FR$, Lead-free – (Qty: 1)
- PN Half Bridge, 25 kHz, Automotive – MFG: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG – MPN: BTN7960B – (Qty:1)
- System Basis Chip, SPI, 2x 5.0 V/200 mA LDOs, w/CAN Transceiver, Automotive – MFG: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR INC. – MPN: MC33742PEG – (Qty: 1)
- Electrolytic Capacitor, 35 V, 330 µF – (Qty: 7)
- Relay, SPDT, 12 V, 20 A, Automotive MFG: PANASONIC CORP. – MPN: ACT112 – (Qty: 1)
- Enclosure, Main, Injection-molded ABS – (Qty: 1)
- Pin Header, Vehicle I/O, Dual-row, Right Angle, Shrouded – MFG: MOLEX INC. – MPN: 34696-0100 – (Qty: 1)
- Pin Header, Vehicle I/O, Dual-row, Right Angle, Shrouded, w/2 Fasteners – (Qty: 1)
Device Exterior
Source: IHS Inc.
Main PCB Top
Source: IHS Inc.
Main PCB Bottom
Source: IHS Inc.
AUTOMOTIVE & TRANSPORTATION
