Valens Semiconductor Collaborates with Sony Semiconductor Solutions to Complete EMC Testing of an Interoperable A-PHY Chip System, Progressing Toward Maturity of Automotive's First Ever Long Reach Connectivity-Integrated Sensor

Rhea-AI Summary

Valens Semiconductor (VLN) collaborates with Sony Semiconductor Solutions to complete EMC testing of a multi-vendor A-PHY link, advancing towards a Sony A-PHY-integrated image sensor for automotive ADAS applications. The innovative solution promises a more cost-effective, compact, and energy-efficient camera. MIPI A-PHY standard gains traction in the automotive industry with growing adoption by OEMs and Tier 1s.

Insights

Automotive Technology Analyst

The collaboration between Valens Semiconductor and Sony Semiconductor Solutions marks a significant advancement in the automotive technology sector, particularly in the realm of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). The successful EMC testing of the A-PHY link is a critical step towards ensuring the reliability and safety of in-vehicle electronics, a factor that could influence the decisions of automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers in adopting this technology.

From a technical perspective, the integration of high-speed connectivity directly into sensors is a game-changer. It simplifies the design, reduces the size and cuts costs, which could lead to broader adoption and potentially become a new industry standard. This development is poised to enhance the competitive edge of both Valens and Sony in the ADAS market, which is increasingly important as the industry moves towards more autonomous features.

Investors should note the potential for increased market share and revenue growth for both companies as they pioneer this integrated solution. The long-term implications include the establishment of a robust ecosystem around A-PHY technology, which could lead to further innovation and collaboration within the industry.

Market Research Analyst

The MIPI A-PHY standard represents a noteworthy evolution in the automotive industry's approach to sensor integration and high-speed connectivity. The announcement of successful EMC testing signifies not just a technical milestone but also an important commercial development. By creating a smaller, less expensive and more power-efficient camera system for ADAS, Valens and Sony are addressing key market demands for cost-effective and reliable vehicle technologies.

Investors should consider the broader industry trend towards increased safety and automation in vehicles. As regulations tighten and consumer expectations rise, technologies that contribute to these areas are likely to see growth. The collaboration between Valens and Sony could set a precedent for future partnerships and technology standards in the automotive sector, potentially influencing stock valuations for companies within this space.

Moreover, the success of the EMC testing and the impending launch of an 8 Megapixel A-PHY camera module could attract attention from other players in the industry, leading to strategic alliances or increased investment in R&D to keep pace with the technological advancements.

Financial Analyst

The strategic partnership between Valens Semiconductor and Sony Semiconductor Solutions and their progress in EMC testing is a noteworthy development for investors. The ability to offer a cost-effective, high-performance ADAS camera system could significantly impact Valens' financial performance. The market for ADAS is expected to grow substantially and being at the forefront of this technology could lead to increased revenue streams for Valens.

Furthermore, the successful testing on a 15m cable aged to simulate a vehicle's lifecycle indicates a strong commitment to product longevity and reliability, which is important for gaining the trust of automotive manufacturers. The financial implications of establishing a new industry standard are vast, as it often leads to long-term contracts and a steady demand. However, investors should also be aware of the risks associated with the adoption of new technologies, including potential delays in production or integration into vehicles.

Overall, the announcement may have positive implications for the stock performance of Valens, as it demonstrates technical prowess and potential market leadership. Investors should monitor the adoption rate of the A-PHY standard and any forthcoming announcements regarding partnerships or orders from automotive manufacturers.

HOD HASHARON, Israel, April 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Valens Semiconductor (NYSE:VLN) announced that it has collaborated with Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation (Sony) to complete Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing of a multi-vendor A-PHY link, progressing towards a mature Sony A-PHY-integrated image sensor that is compatible with Valens' VA7000 deserializer chip. The landmark Sony solution will be the first in the automotive industry to include an integrated high-speed connectivity solution, leading to a significantly less expensive, smaller form factor, lower power consumption camera for enhanced advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) applications.

MIPI A-PHY is the first standard in the automotive industry for in-vehicle high-speed connectivity, and the only technology that is optimized to support sensor integration. Since its release in 2020, it has attracted a growing ecosystem of companies designing products based on the technology. Today, several automotive OEMs and Tier 1s are evaluating VA7000 MIPI A-PHY-compliant chipsets for integration into their next-generation systems.

The two companies successfully completed Interoperability Testing (IOT) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing, passing Bulk Current Injection (BCI), RF Ingress and Transients On Line (ToL) testing, including on a 15m/40ft cable that had been aged to simulate the entire lifecycle of the vehicle. This validates the ability of the devices to operate without interference in a real-world automotive environment, essential for ensuring the safety and reliability of electronic systems in vehicles for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving applications.

Deepening the collaboration, Valens and Sony are developing an 8 Megapixel A-PHY camera module for ADAS systems that will be prepared in the coming months.

"We are rapidly moving towards bringing to market the first-ever sensor with integrated high-speed connectivity, and these IOT and EMC tests are testament to the maturity of the A-PHY standard and our camera solution," said Kenji Onishi, Deputy Senior General Manager of the Automotive business Division in Sony Semiconductor Solutions. "We believe that A-PHY is uniquely positioned to meet automotive OEM requirements for enhanced ADAS systems. The standard offers a unique combination of unprecedented performance alongside sensor integration, which enables us to lead the market with a cutting-edge camera with a simplified design."

"One of the key benefits of MIPI A-PHY technology is its optimization of the transmitter, which is small, inexpensive, and simple. This allows for direct integration of the connectivity inside the sensor – a benefit that no competing solution can provide," said Eyran Lida, Chief Technology Officer at Valens Semiconductor. "The EMC testing proves, once again, the superior performance of A-PHY technology and the ability to build a truly interoperable ecosystem."

"From the beginning, MIPI A-PHY was designed to reduce complexity on the sensor side while delivering exceptional EMC performance throughout the lifecycle of the vehicle," said Sanjiv Desai, MIPI Alliance chair. "This collaboration demonstrates both these goals, and we commend Valens and Sony for achieving this milestone. We're pleased to see the continued growth and development of the A-PHY ecosystem."

About Valens Semiconductor

Valens Semiconductor (NYSE:VLN) is a leader in high-performance connectivity, enabling customers to transform the digital experiences of people worldwide. Valens' chipsets are integrated into countless devices from leading customers, powering state-of-the-art audio-video installations, next-generation videoconferencing, and enabling the evolution of ADAS and autonomous driving. Pushing the boundaries of connectivity, Valens sets the standard everywhere it operates, and its technology forms the basis for the leading industry standards such as HDBaseT® and MIPI A-PHY. For more information, visit https://www.valens.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "estimate," "plan," "project," "forecast," "intend," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "seek," "target" or other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our anticipated future results, including financial results, currency exchange rates, and contract wins, and future economic and market conditions. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of Valens Semiconductor's ("Valens") management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Valens Semiconductor. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including the cyclicality of the semiconductor industry; the effect of inflation and a rising interest rate environment on our customers and industry; the ability of our customers to absorb inventory; the impact of the global pandemic caused by COVID-19 on our customers' budgets and on economic conditions generally, as well as the length, severity of and pace of recovery following the pandemic; competition in the semiconductor industry, and the failure to introduce new technologies and products in a timely manner to compete successfully against competitors; if Valens fails to adjust its supply chain volume due to changing market conditions or fails to estimate its customers' demand; disruptions in relationships with any one of Valens' key customers; any difficulty selling Valens' products if customers do not design its products into their product offerings; Valens' dependence on winning selection processes; even if Valens succeeds in winning selection processes for its products, Valens may not generate timely or sufficient net sales or margins from those wins; sustained yield problems or other delays in the manufacturing process of products; our ability to effectively manage, invest in, grow, and retain our sales force, research and development capabilities, marketing team and other key personnel; our ability to timely adjust product prices to customers following price increase by the supply chain; our ability to adjust our inventory level due to reduction in demand due to inventory buffers accrued by customers; our expectations regarding the outcome of any future litigation in which we are named as a party; our ability to adequately protect and defend our intellectual property and other proprietary rights; the market price and trading volume of the Valens ordinary shares may be volatile and could decline significantly; political, economic, governmental and tax consequences associated with our incorporation and location in Israel; and those factors discussed in Valens' Form 20-F filed with the SEC on February 28, 2024 under the heading "Risk Factors," and other documents of Valens filed, or to be filed, with the SEC. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that Valens does not presently know or that Valens currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect Valens' expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. Valens anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause Valens' assessments to change. However, while Valens may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Valens specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Valens' assessment as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements.

Press Contacts
Yoni Dayan,
Head of Communications
Valens Semiconductor Ltd.
Yoni.dayan@valens.com

Pat Burek
Senior Vice President 
Financial Profiles, Inc. 
pburek@finprofiles.com

Investor Contacts
Lisa Fortuna
Senior Vice President
Financial Profiles, Inc.
lfortuna@finprofiles.com

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SOURCE Valens Semiconductor

FAQ

What collaboration has Valens Semiconductor (VLN) announced?

Valens Semiconductor has collaborated with Sony Semiconductor Solutions to complete Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing of a multi-vendor A-PHY link.

What industry will the Sony solution target with the integrated high-speed connectivity solution?

The Sony solution aims to target the automotive industry with the integrated high-speed connectivity solution.

What is the significance of the VA7000 deserializer chip in this collaboration?

The VA7000 deserializer chip from Valens is compatible with the Sony A-PHY-integrated image sensor, contributing to the advancement of automotive ADAS applications.

What is the key benefit of MIPI A-PHY technology mentioned by Eyran Lida, Valens Semiconductor's CTO?

The key benefit of MIPI A-PHY technology is the optimization of the transmitter, allowing for direct integration of connectivity inside the sensor, which is unique compared to other solutions.

Who is developing an 8 Megapixel A-PHY camera module for ADAS systems?

Valens and Sony are jointly developing an 8 Megapixel A-PHY camera module for ADAS systems.