Low-power, high-performance processors enable ADAS

The first two automotive devices in the platform, TDA4VM processors for ADAS and DRA829V processors for gateway systems, include specialised on-chip accelerators to segment and expedite data-intensive tasks, like computer vision and deep learning.

Additionally, TDA4VM and DRA829V processors incorporate a functional safety microcontroller, making it possible for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier-1 suppliers to support both ASIL-D safety-critical tasks and convenience features with one chip. Both devices share a single software platform, which alleviates system complexity and cost by enabling developers to reuse their software investment across multiple vehicle domains.

Improving vehicle awareness within low power budgets 

Through in-bound camera, radar and LIDAR data, ADAS technology helps cars see and adapt to the world around them. The influx of information coming into the car underscores the need for processors or systems-on-chip to quickly and efficiently manage multilevel processing in real time, all while operating within the system’s power budget. TI’s new processors execute high-performance ADAS operations using just five to 20W of power, eliminating the need for active cooling.

The TDA4VM processor offers on-chip analytics combined with sensor pre-processing, enabling more efficient system performance. This allows OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers to support front camera applications using high-resolution 8-MP cameras to see farther and add enhanced features, such as drive assist.

Additionally, TDA4VM processors are capable of simultaneously operating four to six 3MP cameras while also fusing other sensing modalities such as radar, LIDAR and ultrasonic on one chip. This multilevel capability enables TDA4VM to act as the centralised processor for ADAS and enables the critical features for automated parking, like surround view and image processing for displays, enhancing vehicle perception for 360 degrees of awareness.

Accelerating the data highway for the software-defined car

The DRA829V processor seamlessly integrates the computing functions required for modern vehicles. As vehicle technology advances, automotive gateways need a flexible processor to manage higher volumes of data and support evolving requirements for autonomy and enhanced connectivity.

The DRA829V processor is the first in the industry to incorporate a PCIe switch on-chip in addition to integrating an eight-port gigabit TSN-enabled Ethernet switch for faster high-performance computing functions and communications throughout the car.

Combined with the ability to support both ASIL-D safety-critical and non-safety-critical operations, these computing and communication features enable OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers to support mixed-criticality applications on one device. Higher bandwidth on-chip also allows developers to manage software development and validation in vehicles, which translates to more dynamic updates and upgrades.