AMD Adaptive Computing Technology Enables Next-Generation DENSO LiDAR System, Delivering 20X Improvement in Resolution

Rhea-AI Summary

AMD has announced its collaboration with DENSO Corporation to power a next-generation LiDAR platform utilizing the Xilinx Automotive Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC. This platform aims for over 20X resolution improvement with low latency, enhancing precision in detecting objects like pedestrians and vehicles. The LiDAR system is expected to begin shipping in 2025 and is designed for multiple applications, including autonomous driving. The partnership emphasizes AMD's strength in adaptive computing technology and its ability to meet stringent safety requirements.

Positive

• Collaboration with DENSO enhances AMD's position in the automotive technology market.
• LiDAR platform expected to achieve over 20X resolution improvement, enhancing safety features.
• Adaptive computing technology may lead to cost reductions in future LiDAR systems.

Negative

• None.

── AMD Xilinx Automotive Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC in DENSO platform provides highest point-cloud density level of any SPAD LiDAR system in market today ──

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 19, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) today announced that its adaptive computing technology is powering leading mobility supplier DENSO Corporation’s next-generation LiDAR platform. The new platform will enable over 20X¹ improvement in resolution with extremely low latency for increased precision in detecting pedestrians, vehicles, free space and more. The DENSO LiDAR platform, targeted to begin shipping in 2025, will leverage the AMD Xilinx Automotive (XA) Zynq™ UltraScale+™ adaptive SoC and its functional safety suite of developer tools to enable ISO 26262 ASIL-B certification.

DENSO is using the AMD XA Zynq UltraScale+ multi-processor system-on-a-chip (MPSoC) platform in its Single-Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) LiDAR system, which generates the highest point-cloud density level of any LiDAR system on the market today². Point-cloud density describes the number of points within a given area and is analogous to image resolution, where richer data ensures that crucial decision-making details are captured.

Generally, SPAD-based systems are being adopted by automakers because of the space savings that can be achieved. The highly adaptable XA Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC enables DENSO’s LiDAR systems to reduce the size of current LiDAR implementations, allowing multiple LiDARs to work in tandem for forward view and side views of a vehicle. One device can be used for multiple DENSO LiDAR systems, including future generations, which drives down system costs and helps designs be future-ready.

Current vehicles in production may have just one forward-looking LiDAR, but next-generation vehicles will have multiple systems including forward-, rear facing- and side-view LiDARs. The additional systems are needed to move beyond driver assistance to full autonomy. DENSO LiDAR can also be used for infrastructure monitoring, factory automation and other non-automated driving applications.

“We are excited to expand our collaboration with AMD as we introduce our next-generation LiDAR system,” said Eiichi Kurokawa, head of Sensing System business unit, DENSO Corporation. “AMD high-performance, highly scalable, programmable silicon offers distinct benefits for the extremely complex image processing requirements of our LiDAR sensor architecture. The flexibility and capabilities of the Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC platform and its ability to meet stringent functional safety requirements led us to work with AMD.”

DENSO’s SPAD LiDAR can generate over three million points-per-second at 10 frames per-second³. This middle-range LiDAR system uses XA Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoCs for system monitor functionality to help enable the temperature and overall system to function correctly. Because the system uses time-to-digital conversion instead of analog-to-digital converters, the overall system size and cost can be optimized while still delivering high-performance high-density data.

“DENSO has developed an exceptionally precise LiDAR system. With LiDAR continuing to evolve, there are new technology requirements, driving the need for improvements in sensitivity, density and performance,” said Mark Wadlington, senior vice president and general manager, Core Markets Group, AMD. “Through AMD adaptive computing technology we’re helping to enable a reduction in system size and space, while also improving resolution for increased precision in object detection, all at very low latency.”

AMD in Automotive
As the pace of innovation continues to accelerate in the automotive industry, the need for high-performance compute, compute acceleration and graphics technologies is increasing. AMD is a leader at this inflection point, with a broad line of high-performance CPUs, GPUs, FPGAs and Adaptive SoCs. From powering in-vehicle infotainment systems to advanced driver-assistance systems, autonomous driving and networking applications where functional safety is of paramount importance, AMD provides carmakers with a one-stop shop for silicon and software solutions. For more information, visit AMD's Automotive website.

Supporting Resources:

• Learn more about the Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC product family
• Follow AMD on LinkedIn
• Follow AMD on Twitter
  

About AMD
For more than 50 years AMD has driven innovation in high-performance computing, graphics and visualization technologies. Billions of people, leading Fortune 500 businesses and cutting-edge scientific research institutions around the world rely on AMD technology daily to improve how they live, work and play. AMD employees are focused on building leadership high-performance and adaptive products that push the boundaries of what is possible. For more information about how AMD is enabling today and inspiring tomorrow, visit the AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) website, blog, LinkedIn and Twitter pages. 

©2023 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. All rights reserved. AMD, the AMD Arrow logo, Zynq, UltraScale+, Xilinx, and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Other names are for informational purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

All performance and cost savings claims are provided by DENSO and have not been independently verified by AMD. Performance and cost benefits are impacted by a variety of variables. Results herein are specific to DENSO and may not be typical. GD-181

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¹ Resolution improvement validated by DENSO during internal evaluation
² Achievement confirmed by DENSO during in-lab testing
³ DENSO observed LiDAR output with 2D echo

Contact:
David Szabados
 AMD Communications
(408) 472-2439
david.szabados@amd.com

Suresh Bhaskaran
 AMD Investor Relations
(408) 749-2845
Suresh.bhaskaran@amd.com

FAQ

What advancements does AMD's new LiDAR platform provide?

AMD's new LiDAR platform offers over 20X resolution improvement and extremely low latency for enhanced object detection.

When is DENSO's LiDAR system expected to ship?

DENSO's LiDAR system, powered by AMD technology, is expected to begin shipping in 2025.

What is the significance of the Xilinx Automotive Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC?

The Xilinx Automotive Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC enables high-performance processing essential for LiDAR systems and meets ISO 26262 ASIL-B certification requirements.

How will the partnership with DENSO impact AMD's market position?

The partnership positions AMD as a leader in the automotive technology sector, particularly in advanced driver-assistance systems and autonomous driving solutions.