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• The industry’s first single-chip radar sensor designed for satellite architectures can increase vehicle sensing ranges beyond 200 meters and enable more accurate advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) decision-making.

• New driver chips support safe and efficient control of power flow in battery management or other powertrain systems with functional safety compliance and built-in diagnostics to reduce development time.

DALLAS (Jan. 9, 2024) – Texas Instruments (TI) (Nasdaq: TXN) today introduced new semiconductors designed to improve automotive safety and intelligence. The AWR2544 77GHz millimeter-wave radar sensor chip is the industry’s first for satellite radar architectures, enabling higher levels of autonomy by improving sensor fusion and decision-making in ADAS. TI’s new software-programmable driver chips, the DRV3946-Q1 integrated contactor driver and DRV3901-Q1 integrated squib driver for pyro fuses, offer built-in diagnostics and support functional safety for battery management and powertrain systems. TI is demonstrating these new products at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

For more information, see TI.com/AWR2544, TI.com/DRV3946-Q1 and TI.com/DRV3901-Q1.

“Semiconductor innovations like the ones we’re showcasing this year at CES are helping automotive systems continue to evolve and contribute to a safer driver experience,” said Fern Yoon, director of Automotive Systems at Texas Instruments. “From more advanced driver assistance systems to smarter electric vehicle powertrain systems, TI is working alongside automakers to reimagine how reliable and intelligent technology can enable safer vehicles.”

Many automakers are adding more sensors around the car to improve vehicle safety and autonomy. TI’s AWR2544 single-chip radar sensor is the industry’s first designed for satellite architectures. In satellite architectures, radar sensors output semi-processed data to a central processor for ADAS decision-making using sensor fusion algorithms, taking advantage of the 360-degree sensor coverage to achieve higher levels of vehicle safety.

The AWR2544 single-chip radar sensor is also the industry’s first with launch-on-package (LOP) technology. LOP technology helps reduce the size of the sensor by as much as 30% by mounting a 3D waveguide antenna on the opposite side of the printed circuit board. LOP technology also enables sensor ranges to extend beyond 200m with a single chip. In satellite architectures, these features enable automakers to increase ADAS intelligence for higher vehicle autonomy levels to make smarter decisions from farther away. The AWR2544 is the latest in TI’s radar sensor portfolio, which supports a wide range of ADAS applications and architectures with sensors developed for corner, front, imaging, side and rear radar systems.

To learn more about the benefits of the AWR2544 and satellite architectures, read the technical article, “Are you ready for the emerging automotive radar satellite architecture?”

Supporting the trend toward software-defined vehicles is challenging designers to develop smarter, more advanced battery management systems (BMS). Two new highly integrated, software-programmable driver chips from TI address requirements for safer and more efficient control of high-voltage disconnect circuits in a BMS or other powertrain system. Both drivers are International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 26262 functional safety-compliant and offer built-in diagnostics and protection to reduce automotive engineers’ development time.

For BMS and other powertrain systems, the DRV3946-Q1 is the industry’s first fully integrated contactor driver. It includes a peak-and-hold current controller that helps automakers increase system power efficiency. The device also implements safety diagnostics to monitor the condition of the contactor.

TI’s DRV3901-Q1 fully integrated squib driver enables an intelligent pyro fuse disconnect system by using built-in circuitry to monitor the pyro fuse and provide diagnostic information to the system microcontroller. This gives hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and EV BMS designers flexibility to use a pyro fuse instead of traditional melting fuse systems while minimizing design complexity.

To learn more about simplifying BMS and power distribution designs, read the technical article, “How squib and contactor drivers help improve safety and efficiency in HEV/EV battery disconnect systems.”

TI is showcasing automotive innovations for smarter, safer vehicles, including the AWR2544, DRV3901-Q1 and DRV3946-Q1. Demonstrations will show system-level innovations for ADAS and BMS designs as well as other TI technologies across zone architectures, EV charging, energy storage and more.

• Thursday, Jan. 11 at 11 a.m. MST: TI General Manager of Grid Infrastructure Henrik Mannesson will participate in the CES 2024 panel, “Growth of the EV Marketplace: Innovations and Investments.” He will discuss how semiconductor innovation and engineering breakthroughs are accelerating the ability to manage energy from EVs to the grid through bidirectional charging and vehicle-to-grid systems.
• From Tuesday, Jan. 9 – Friday, Jan. 12: Visit TI in the Las Vegas Convention Center North Hall, Meeting Room No. N116, and see com/CES for more information.

• Preproduction quantities of the AWR2544, DRV3901-Q1 and DRV3946-Q1 and evaluation modules are available for purchase now on TI.com.
• Multiple payment and shipping options are available.

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Today at CES 2024, Infineon Technologies AG  and Aurora Labs unveiled a new set of AI-based solutions to improve the long-term reliability and safety of critical automotive components, including steering, braking and airbags. The companies have teamed to offer solutions that implement Aurora Labs’ award-winning Line-of-Code Intelligence (LOCI) AI technology on Infineon’s 32-bit TriCore AURIX TC4x family of microcontrollers (MCUs) to enable automotive manufacturers to offer safer, more reliable vehicles and enhance performance over the lifetime of a vehicle.

“For car manufacturers, this new jointly offered solution promises a safer driving experience by using AI-driven automated processes throughout the software lifecycle of a vehicle. The solution supports real-time monitoring and response to software failures at the MCU- and ECU-level according to WP29 requirements. By protecting applications and over the air (OTA) updates, the joint solution helps prevent malicious attacks and hardware safety failure,” said Zohar Fox, CEO and Co-founder of Aurora Labs. “We have partnered with Infineon to ensure an improved driver experience based on predictive safety maintenance using AI capability. Our solution streamlines OEM software development at lines-of-code and hardware peripheral resolution to enable them to develop safer systems in accordance with ASIL-D.”

“As a leader in automotive semiconductors, we are very happy to team up with Aurora Labs to bring a new level of safety to predictive maintenance applications for vehicles,” said Thomas Schneid, Senior Director Software, Partner and Ecosystem Management of Infineon. “With the combination of Infineon’s proven AURIX MCUs, along with Aurora Labs’ software to prevent silent data corruption and software misbehavior in chipsets, our new solution gives car manufacturers and drivers an extended level of safety confidence for critical automotive applications such as steering, braking and airbags.”

The new solution leverages Infineon’s proven AURIX TC4x family of MCUs with real-time safety and security performance. The MCUs are designed for next-generation eMobility, advanced driver assistance (ADAS), automotive E/E architectures and affordable artificial intelligence (AI) applications. Aurora Labs’ AI- and ML-based features are implemented in the AURIX TC4x PPU (Parallel Processing Unit), a purpose-built AI accelerator, and do not share any resources with the OEM applications running on the CPU.

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The aerospace and military sector in the United States contributes significantly to the country’s economy. US-based aerospace and defence companies create and produce goods utilised by the military, as well as commercial aircraft, government organisations, space exploration and research projects, and several other industries. They create aeroplanes, missiles, space vehicles, satellites, communication systems, engines, and other technological and engineering marvels. Carbon fibres, composite materials, titanium alloys, and specialised coatings are also developed and manufactured by the sector. Manufacturers in the industry supply necessary services like aircraft maintenance and repair, avionics systems, and other equipment. The sector also manufactures spare components for existing aircraft, which are required to keep current fleets running. Furthermore, the sector provides sophisticated training and educational services to assist students in entering the profession. They play critical roles in the development and deployment of innovative technologies for defence and homeland security applications. These corporations frequently collaborate with the US government and its agencies to keep the country secure from possible threats or assaults.

1. RTX Corp

Based in the US, Raytheon Technologies is a company specialising in the design, development, and integration of cutting-edge technological systems, goods, and services for the aerospace and military industries. Raytheon Company and United Technologies Corporation combined in 2020 to become it. The company is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, and has offices all around the world. Its goods and services include aerospace systems, air traffic management, cybersecurity solutions, electronic warfare, intelligence systems, and missile defence. Their portfolio includes advanced radar systems, accurate guiding and navigation systems, communications networks, innovative materials and coatings, and a host of other items and services.

2. The Boeing Corp

As the largest aerospace corporation in the world, Boeing produces commercial jetliners, commercial aircraft, defence, space, and security technologies, as well as aftermarket support services. The corporation supplies airlines and government clients in the United States and its allies in over 150 countries, and it is the largest manufacturing exporter in America. A wide range of electronic and defence systems, weaponry, launch systems, sophisticated information and communication systems, commercial and military aeroplanes, satellites, performance-based logistics, and training are among the customised services and products offered by Boeing. 

3. General Dynamic Corp

Leading aerospace and defence corporation General Dynamics offers a wide range of commercial and military equipment in addition to land and sea systems, mission systems, and commercial and military aircraft. Business aviation, combat vehicles, surface ships, submarines, armaments and munitions, information technology, intelligence and security, and space systems are among the specialisations of General Dynamics’ divisions.

4. Northrop Grumman Corp

One of the top suppliers of systems, services, and solutions for space, military, and security applications is Northrop Grumman. They are also working on developing hypersonic weaponry, cyber-security solutions, and sophisticated air and missile defence systems. Northrop Grumman was established in 1939 and is a company that specialises in the engineering, development, production, and integration of cutting-edge technological systems, goods, and services. Manned and unmanned aircraft, cybersecurity, missile defence, ground systems, intelligence, surveillance, command and control, space components, and other defence-related services are all part of Northrop Grumman’s portfolio.

5. Airbus

A European collaboration called Airbus Industrie was established in 1970 to meet the need for high-capacity, short- to medium-range jetliners. As one of the top two producers of commercial aircraft in the world today, it regularly dominates the jetliner industry in terms of orders, deliveries, and yearly income. The company’s main line of work is designing and building commercial aeroplanes. Additionally, the corporation includes distinct departments for helicopters, military, and space as well as commerce. In 2019, Airbus ranked first in the world for both helicopter production and aircraft production.

6. Lockheed Martin Corp

With a focus on producing military aircraft, satellites, and other defence technologies, Lockheed Martin is yet another significant participant in the US aerospace and defence sector. The F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-35 Lightning II, C-5 Galaxy, and Trident II D5 submarine-launched ballistic missiles are some of the company’s well-known products. Furthermore, they are engaged in the advancement of many defence technologies, such as radar, sonar, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems.

7. GE Aviation

The origins of GE Aviation date back to 1917, more than a century ago. The federal government issued the business with a challenge to develop a turbosupercharger for piston-driven aircraft engines, which it accepted that year. Throughout World War II, GE was making turbosuperchargers for aeroplane engines. The business is credited for creating the first jet engine and the first high bypass turbofan jet engine in history, both of which are now commonplace in both military and commercial aircraft.

8. Textron

Textron Inc. is a global player in the aerospace, defence, industrial, and financial sectors. Textron Aviation, Bell, Textron Systems, Textron eAviation, and Finance are its operating segments. Business jets, turboprop and piston engine aircraft, military trainers, and defence aircraft are all produced, sold, and serviced by the Textron Aviation division. It also provides maintenance, inspection, and repair services in addition to selling commercial components. Its Bell division provides tiltrotor aircraft, military and commercial helicopters, and associated services and replacement parts. Textron Systems provides real military air-to-air and air-to-ship training, electronic systems and solutions, sophisticated marine crafts, piston aircraft engines, unmanned aircraft systems, armaments and related components, and armoured and specialist vehicles. The company’s headquarters are in Providence, Rhode Island, where it was established in 1923.

9. Honeywell International Inc.

Honeywell has a big, broad product range, even though most people may only be familiar with the brand from space heaters, home air purifiers and thermostats for HVAC systems. Since its establishment in 1906, the corporation has undergone constant change. Aerospace, safety and productivity solutions, performance materials, and other related fields are the areas of expertise for the American multinational corporation Honeywell International. The firm wants to facilitate more fuel efficiency, improved operations, safer, on-time flights, and ultimately happier travellers.

10. L3Harris Technologies

The firm, which was founded in 2019, unites eighteen heritage businesses that all share a dedication to innovation and quality. They provide a broad range of services and products, such as navigation and timing, night vision imaging, communications systems, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and space exploration, that are intended to give clients creative answers to their intricate problems.

All things considered, the USA’s aerospace and defence sector remains a crucial component of the country’s economy. It provides billions of dollars to the country’s GDP, thousands of well-paying employment, and significantly to national security. It is obvious that in 2023, the industry will remain more significant to the US economy and security. The sector stands to gain from the growing need for aircraft that are safer and more efficient, as well as from its capacity to create cutting-edge defence systems for military applications. Artificial intelligence, big data analytics, 5G connectivity, and autonomous systems will transform the A&D sector. In general, it is anticipated that the US A&D sector will continue to play a significant role in the country’s economy and job market in 2023.

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Launched during CES 2024, the new OP03050 LCOS panel displays high-resolution content for a truly immersive experience for consumer and B2B applications

OMNIVISION, a leading global developer of semiconductor solutions, including advanced digital imaging, analog, and touch & display technology, today announced the new OP03050, a low-power, small form factor liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) panel that integrates the LCOS array, driving circuit, framebuffer and interface in a single chip. The OP03050 provides a high-resolution, immersive experience for real-time video conferencing and streaming when used in augmented reality (AR), extended reality (XR) and mixed reality (MR) glasses and head-mounted displays.

“Smart eyewear is the next mobile phone accessory consumers want, especially as they become more fashionable, smaller and lightweight,” said Devang Patel, marketing director for the IoT and emerging segment, OMNIVISION. “The high pixel pitch of the OP03050 results in better image quality and a more immersive viewing experience for the user. In fact, while the consumer market is a driving force behind the growing demand for smart glasses, the more immersive experience makes them useful for B2B applications as well, such as in the medical, engineering and aerospace fields.”

The OP03050 LCOS panel has a 3.0-micron pixel pitch; it features 1560×1200 display resolution at 120 Hz with low-latency. It comes in a 0.23-inch optical format in a small FPCA package and supports a 4-channel MIPI-DSI interface. Samples are available now, and the OP03050 will be in mass production in 2H 2024. For more information, contact your OMNIVISION sales representative: www.ovt.com/contact-sales.

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