STMicroelectronics exhibits latest automotive solutions

With the accelerating development of “Connected Cars", the convergence of IT and automobiles is increasing in applications such as advanced infotainment systems. ST’s connected-car solution comprises: a pico projector that displays incoming mail, social network updates, and other information on the car’s windshield; a MEMS microphone to enable voice operation; CMOS image sensors and the technology to detect the driver’s situation and gestures. This is built around ST’s ARM core-based high-performance multimedia SoC and developed on the company's In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) SDK software platform. At this year’s CAR-ELE JAPAN, ST will conduct demos in which a driver is presented with information and data projected on the windshield, and controls the IVI features by voice.

Becoming increasing standard in new vehicles, parking-assist systems use image processors, high-performance multimedia SoCs and cameras mounted on all sides of the vehicle to generate a virtual bird’s-eye view of the automobile. Ethernet-based, the ST Around-View solution helps drivers visually confirm the vehicle’s position relative to adjacent objects for easier parking. Automotive Ethernet compatible, ST’s automotive high-performance multimedia SoC easily integrates with network services and external devices, such as smart consumer devices. This further expands the potential for IVI systems. At the exhibition, ST will demonstrate a radio-controlled vehicle equipped with the CMOS image sensors and automotive high-performance multimedia SoC on a model. The miniature vehicle will park smoothly while displaying its surroundings.

ST's solutions for ADAS meet the growing demand for the technology from automobile manufacturers, and will contribute to the development of automated driving technologies in the future. These solutions include millimeter-wave radar chips that detect surrounding obstacles and distance from cars ahead and behind, as well as CMOS sensors and image processors enabling visual-based detection of pedestrians, vehicles, signs, and lanes. At CAR-ELE JAPAN, ST will also demonstrate pedestrian detection using the EyeQ3 image processor (which was co-developed with Mobileye). EyeQ3 contributes to reducing traffic accidents through advanced pedestrian detection, lane-deviation warning, adaptive headlight control, traffic sign recognition, frontal collision warning, and collision avoidance through a combination of radar and cameras.

Additionally, ST will exhibit its latest products and solutions for car body, power train and safety. These include: pressure sensors for car navigation systems that detect elevation differences; NFC tags and application processors that enable interaction between smartphones and car navigation systems; USB-charger control ICs and wireless power-supply solutions that enable charging of portable devices in the vehicle; and innovative automotive Power MOSFET packages.