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ADAS Solutions
CrossLink
As in the infotainment space,
CrossLink provides low power,
low cost, sensor and camera
interface bridging. This allows
data from multiple image sensors
to be aggregated and delivered
via Crosslink to the AP via a single
CSI-2 interface. The small footprint
of CrossLink allows it to be placed
closer to the sensor adding flexibility
to manufacturing design.
In the future, CrossLink could be
used in upcoming radar systems
for ADAS. CSI-2 is the interface
of choice in such functions too.
The radars are used for multiple
topologies in conjunction to the
imaging to enhance ADAS functions.
Once again CrossLink comes to
rescue by converting the CSI-2 to
the input that can be accepted by
the application processor.
ECP5
In addition to data bridging and
aggregation, the more powerful and
capable ECP5 can act as an intelligent
hub for controlling and aggregating
multiple sensors of different types.
In addition, the ECP5 can perform
image signal processing before
sending the image data to the
application processor, lowering the
processing power needed in the
application processor to perform
these functions and improving
overall performance in the car.
Conclusion
The flexibility of FPGAs have
already proven invaluable in many
industries. In the automotive space,
FPGAs can help bridge the gap
between the needs of advanced
entertainment and safety systems,
and the mobile processors on which
they run. This business model
has distinct advantages; allowing
automotive manufacturers to use
mass market proven products from
the smartphone space and rapidly
adapting them to the changing needs
of the car landscape. FPGAs may yet
prove useful in other areas of the car
as well. FPGAs are now beginning to
show up in areas such as the motor
control space in other industries and
could prove useful in the automotive
space as well.
One thing is clear; as car electronics
continue to advance, and especially
as ADAS and other efforts continue
to move the industry towards the
driverless car future, more and more
sensors will need to be integrated
into these systems, and the need
for FPGAs to provide the flexibility
to adapt cameras, sensors, video,
and higher speed connectivity to the
changing needs of the market will
only grow.
Figure 6: Wideband parts simplify the overall signal chain in T&M
and military applications
Automotive
Special Edition
New-Tech Magazine Europe l 45