NXP Semiconductors has introduced the 'SAF8444' automotive radar SoC, which enables Level 2 (L2) and Level 2+ Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) functions even on entry-level vehicle platforms. The product focuses on reducing system costs and design complexity while meeting stricter vehicle safety standards.

NXP Semiconductors announced on the 10th the SAF8444, based on a 28nm RFCMOS radar one-chip architecture. The company stated that the product supports short-, medium-, and long-range detection in the 76–81GHz automotive radar band and has currently entered the pre-production phase.

Reducing dependency on central computing through in-sensor processing

NXP explained that the SAF8444 directly fuses camera and radar data within the chip and supports recognition-level processing on the radar sensor itself. This allows for reduced power consumption, heat generation, and reliance on central computing. Stricter safety standards, such as Euro NCAP 2030, require pedestrian detection in low-light environments and all-weather performance; however, these standards typically require more processing power and central computing resources, leading to limitations in terms of increased costs, heat generation, and architectural complexity. The company stated that the SAF8444 reduces this burden by performing recognition processing directly on the radar SoC.

This product supports key ADAS functions such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind spot detection, and parking assistance. The SAF8444 combines an Arm Cortex-A53 application processor, an Arm Cortex-M7 real-time core, and a Single Processing Toolbox (SPT) radar accelerator that supports DSP. Additionally, it enables operation even in high RF density environments by executing radar interference mitigation algorithms through a dual-threaded radar accelerator.

Support for the development ecosystem

The SAF8444 is supported by NXP’s radar software ecosystem, including the radar SDK, safety framework, security components, and development tools. Meindert van den Beld, Senior Vice President and General Manager of NXP’s Radar & ADAS division, said, “The SAF8444 balances performance, power efficiency, and cost, helping customers reduce system costs while meeting increasing safety requirements,” adding that it is “a step toward popularizing ADAS adoption.”

SAF8444 aims to design next-generation forward and corner radars, and development support is being provided to key customers.