Texas Instruments introduces new edge AI radar sensors and automotive audio processors to reimagine the in-car experience

     Texas Instruments has introduced new integrated automotive chips to provide a safer, more immersive driving experience for cars at any price point. Its AWRL6844 60GHz millimeter wave radar sensor supports occupancy monitoring for seat belt reminder systems, child presence detection and intrusion detection, and uses a single chip running edge artificial intelligence algorithm to promote a safer driving environment. With its next-generation audio DSP core, the AM275x-Q1 mcu and AM62D-Q1 processor make advanced audio capabilities more affordable. Combined with the company's latest analog products, including the TAS6754-Q1 Class d audio amplifier, engineers can take full advantage of the complete audio amplifier system.

     Amichai Ron, senior vice president of embedded processing at TI, said: "Today, whether it is an entry-level or luxury vehicle, whether it is an internal combustion engine or an electric vehicle, drivers want to enhance the in-car experience. TI will continue to deliver innovative technologies to enable the automotive driving experience of the future. Our cutting-edge AI-powered radar sensors enable automakers to make vehicles safer and more responsive to drivers, while our on-chip audio systems enhance the driving experience with more immersive audio. Together, they create a whole new level of cabin experience."

     Oems are gradually designing more sensors to improve the in-car experience and meet evolving safety standards. The company's AWRL6844 60GHz millimeter wave radar sensor enables engineers to incorporate three sensing functions in the cabin to replace multiple sensor technologies such as seat weight pads and ultrasonic sensors, thereby reducing total implementation costs.

     The AWRL6844 integrates four transmitters and four receivers to provide Oems with cost-optimized high-resolution sensing data. This data is fed into application-specific AI-driven algorithms on customizable on-chip hardware accelerators and DSPS to improve decision accuracy and reduce processing time.

     As drivers of different vehicle types increasingly expect to enhance the in-car experience, Oems aim to deliver quality audio while minimizing design complexity and system costs. The AM275x-Q1 mcu and AM62D-Q1 processor reduce the number of components required for an automotive audio amplifier system by integrating the company's vector-based C7x DSP core, Arm core, memory, audio networking and hardware security modules into a functionally safe SoC. The C7x core and the matrix multiplication accelerator form a neural processing unit that can handle both traditional and edge AI-based audio algorithms. These scalable automotive audio SOCs allow designers to meet the memory and performance requirements of systems from entry-level to high-end with minimal redesign and investment.

     The company's next-generation C7x DSP core delivers more than four times the processing performance of other audio DSPS, allowing audio engineers to manage multiple functions within a single core. The AM275x-Q1 mcu and AM62D-Q1 processor enable in-car immersive audio through spatial audio, active noise reduction, sound synthesis, and advanced vehicle networking, including Ethernet audio-video bridging.

     "Dolby's long-standing partnership with Texas Instruments has brought an incredible audio experience to the home, which we are now bringing to the car," said Andreas Ehret, senior director of Dolby LABS 'automotive business. "With TI's C7x DSP core, we can now more efficiently deliver the latest Dolby Atmos features, including support for smaller audio systems, so Dolby Atmos can be installed in almost all vehicles." Together, these products can help turn every ride into an immersive entertainment experience."

     To further optimize automotive audio design, engineers can use the company's TAS6754-Q1 audio amplifier with innovative 1L modulation technology to deliver best-in-class audio performance and power consumption with half the amount of inductance compared to existing Class d amplifiers. The TAS67xx-Q1 family of devices integrates real-time load diagnostics required by Oems, enabling engineers to simplify designs, reduce costs and increase efficiency without sacrificing audio quality.