With higher-level autonomous driving becoming an unstoppable trend, the automotive industry is undergoing transformation. Torsten Lehmann, Executive VP and GM of NXP Semiconductors' RF Processing Business Unit, highlights the importance of multi-sensor fusion solutions, including millimeter-wave radar, image sensors, and lidar, to achieve safer driving in any weather, light, or environment.
Torsten Lehmann believes millimeter-wave radar technology will continue to play a crucial role in the advancement of autonomous driving, particularly with the rise of 4D millimeter-wave radar. As L1 and L2 driving assistance levels become common, it is anticipated that 43% of the world's vehicles will have L2+ to L3 capabilities by 2030. This trend has increased the demand for 4D millimeter-wave radar, which offers faster growth, better performance, and greater efficiency than traditional radar.
According to market research by Yole, the automotive millimeter-wave radar market is projected to reach $1.8 billion in 2022 and exceed $3 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of 18-20%. Despite continued use of 24GHz radar, Lehmann points to the increasing dominance of 77GHz radar in the marketplace.
In addition to the increased penetration rate of radar technology, more radar nodes will be required for advanced functions such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and 360-degree perception. This, in turn, is driving demand for higher-performance 4D imaging radar to replace conventional radar systems.
The shift towards 4D millimeter-wave radar has also spurred competition in single-chip solutions, with NXP Semiconductors among the leading players in this space. The company has recently introduced the first 28nm single-chip solution with performance capabilities close to those of lidar. The integrated solution offers enhanced efficiency and power consumption while reducing size and cost.
Continuing on this trajectory, Lehmann predicts that by 2025, single-chip radars will be mainstream. NXP is well-positioned in the market with a comprehensive and scalable radar product line, strong local presence in China, and advanced radar processing algorithms to facilitate software development.
Recently, NIO announced that it would adopt NXP's automotive radar technology, including its breakthrough 4D millimeter-wave imaging radar solution, designed to improve performance for front-facing radar and provide enhanced driver safety and comfort.
Recommended related articles：
NXP Semiconductors Introduction
Embedded - Microcontroller, Microprocessor, FPGA Modules
Embedded - Microcontrollers
Embedded - Microcontrollers - Application Specific
Embedded - Microprocessors