Imaging radar to achieve high automotive safety level

Arbe Robotics selected Synopsys' IP for its high performance and ASIL D Ready safety features that are well suited for strict ADAS and autonomous vehicle application requirements.

In addition, Synopsys' automotive-ready DesignWare IP is supported by comprehensive safety documentation, including failure modes, effects, and diagnostic analysis (FMEDA) reports that facilitate chip- and system-level ISO 26262 ASIL D and B compliance.

Arbe Robotics' patented imaging radar is a next-gen sensor specifically designed for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles. The high resolution imaging radar can sense the environment at a wide 100° field of view in high resolution at the highest reliability in various weather and environment conditions, including fog, heavy rain, pitch darkness, and air pollution.

It is able to create a detailed image of the road at a range of more than 300m (1,000ft) and capture the size, location, and velocity data of objects surrounding the vehicle to enable safer driving and support level 4 and 5 autonomous operation. Arbe Robotics' custom radar chip utilises an extensive portfolio of Synopsys' ASIL B and D Ready certified DesignWare IP.

"Radar chips for autonomous vehicles require both a high level of processing capabilities and integrated safety features to help detect and prevent system failures," said Kobi Marenko CEO at Arbe Robotics.

"Synopsys' DesignWare ARC EM Safety Island and EV62 Processor deliver performance and safety features that are easily integrated into the complex operations necessary for Arbe's 4D imaging radar, along with the DesignWare Ethernet QoS IP and embedded test and repair solutions. Synopsys provides the broad IP portfolio we need to develop a differentiated automotive solution, and the safety features necessary for achieving SoC-level ISO 26262 certification."

Arbe Robotics selected the ARC EM6SI Safety Island because of its integrated self-checking safety monitor, Error Correcting Code (ECC), and programmable watchdog timer. The EV62 Embedded Vision Processor with SEP provides a highly efficient 512-bit wide SIMD vector DSP, and required functional safety capabilities without sacrificing power, area, and performance.

Both processors feature lockstep capabilities that enable rapid detection of system failures and runtime faults. The ARC MetaWare EV Development Toolkit for Safety enables software developers to generate highly efficient, ISO 26262-compliant code for their automotive applications. For its real time networking needs, Arbe Robotics selected Synopsys' configurable Ethernet QoS Controller IP with safety package, which supports Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) to reliably manage the data stream between connected devices.

In addition, Arbe Robotics selected the DesignWare STAR Memory System and STAR Hierarchical System for comprehensive fault coverage and capability to control in-system test using APB interface. The DesignWare STAR ECC Compilers' advanced ECC circuitry detects and corrects single-bit and multi-bit upsets to improve reliability during in-field operation.

"Today's ADAS and autonomous vehicle technologies require the processing of massive amounts of data from camera, radar, and lidar systems," said John Koeter, Vice President of Marketing for IP at Synopsys.

"By providing a comprehensive portfolio of ASIL Ready IP solutions, including ARC Processor and Interface IP, Synopsys enables companies like Arbe Robotics to accelerate the development and qualification of their automotive SoCs."