NXP Paves the Way for Software-Defined Radar Technology

NXP Semiconductors has unveiled an extension to its 28nm RF CMOS radar one-chip SoC family at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The new SAF86xx SoC is the successor to the SAF8500 and is specifically designed for smart radar sensors.

The SAF86xx supports a variety of sensor outputs, including object, point cloud, or range-FFT-level data. This makes it suitable for both current smart sensors and future distributed architectures. Rather than focusing on individual sensors, the new SoC targets software-defined vehicle architecture for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Matthias Feulner, senior director of NXP's ADAS product line, explained that the SAF86xx supports SAE Level 2 and Level 3 advanced comfort features such as hybrid pilot operation, automated parking, and urban pilot operation. The SoC integrates a radar transceiver, a multi-core radar processor, a Gigabit Ethernet interface, and a MACsec hardware engine for security. It can stream low-level radar sensor data at speeds of up to 1Gbps.

By combining the SAF86xx with NXP's S32 processors, vehicle network connectivity, and power management, software-defined radar features can be unleashed in vehicles. Feulner added that original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can build on top of classical edge processing for a seamless transition to a distributed architecture that is backwards compatible with previous SAF85xx devices. Software-defined radar features will enable over-the-air updates and regular software updates.

The choice of a 28nm RF CMOS process for the SAF86xx is significant as it improves radar sensor capabilities compared to 40nm or 45nm devices. The SoC is more compact and power-efficient, making it ideal for smaller radar sensors. This is particularly important as it is predicted that high-end vehicle models will implement a network of five sensors by 2025.

Radar-based, 360° surround sensing will enhance safety features beyond autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and blind spot detection. With a detection range of 300m and above, the surround sensing data provided by the SAF86xx will enable the identification of pedestrians, cyclists, and objects such as kerbstones and trees. This will greatly benefit urban driving.

The SAF86xx has been developed in accordance with ISO 26262 Safety Element out of Context (SEooC) methodology, supporting ASIL Level B. Hella, a leading automotive supplier, will be using the SoC in its seventh-generation radar portfolio, including variants for front, rear, corner, and side radar.