New radar chip targets distributed radar architecture, laying the foundation for future streaming sensor transition
NXP's comprehensive system solution supports software-defined radar, including AI-based object classification

NXP Semiconductors (NXP) announced plans to expand its automotive radar one-chip product line supporting SDV and ADAS.

NXP announced on the 17th that it plans to expand its automotive radar single-chip product line, which includes support for software-defined radar, such as AI-based object classification, with NXP's comprehensive system solutions.

The new SAF86xx monolithically integrates a high-performance radar transceiver, a multi-core radar processor, and a MACsec hardware engine to support state-of-the-art secure data communications over automotive Ethernet.

A comprehensive system solution combining NXP’s S32 high-performance processors, vehicle network connectivity, and power management provides the foundation for advanced software-defined radar.

Highly integrated radar system-on-chip (SoC) can stream rich low-level radar sensor data at speeds of up to 1 Gbit/s.

This will help OEMs optimize next-generation ADAS partitioning for SDVs while supporting a smooth transition to new architectures.

Additionally, OEMs can easily provide new software through OTA updates throughout the life of the vehicle.It is possible to introduce a radar function of some kind.

It shares a common architecture with the SAF85xx launched last year and leverages 28nm RFCMOS technology, which enables significantly improved radar sensor performance compared to previously launched 40nm or 45nm products.

This will enable Tier 1 suppliers to develop more compact and power-efficient radar sensors.

For drivers, the detection range on the road has been extended to over 300m, allowing for more reliable detection of small objects such as curbs and vulnerable road users such as bicycles and pedestrians.

HELLA, a leading automotive electronics supplier, will leverage NXP’s SoC family as the foundation of its 7th generation radar portfolio.

It includes derivatives for front, rear, corner and side radars.

The new radar chip provides NCAP safety features including emergency braking and blind spot detection, and supports advanced ADAS and autonomous driving applications, along with advanced convenience features for SAE Level 2+ and 3.

Available applications include traffic jam assist, highway pilot and park assist, front and rear cross traffic alert, and side and rear collision avoidance.

Additionally, the comprehensive SAF8xxx family, including the new SAF86xx and SAF85xx, can be tailored to individual OEM use cases.

“With NXP’s RFCMOS TEF81xx and TEF82xx automotive radar transceivers, we have become the leading supplier of automotive 77/79GHz corner radar sensors,” said Dietmar Stapel, Vice President of Radar Program Management at Hella.“Now, with NXP’s radar SoC family, we will expand our market base and provide radar solutions for all relevant radar-enabled functions, including Level 4 autonomous driving,” he said.

“The new SAF86xx radar one-chip family enables OEMs to quickly and easily migrate their current radar platforms to the new SDV architecture,” said Steffen Spannagel, vice president and general manager, ADAS, NXP. “Connected radar sensor networks, featuring software-defined functions based on our dedicated S32R radar processor in a distributed architecture, can enhance radar-based perception to support the advancement of autonomous driving. This includes 360-degree detection, more powerful AI-based algorithms and secure over-the-air software updates.”