LeddarTech Debuts Solid-State LiDARIC Roadmap for Autonomous Driving

LeddarTech has recently launched key insights about its LeddarCore IC roadmap, which can enable affordable, high-performance solid-state LiDARs for a number of automotive safety applications—from ADAS to autonomous driving.

The management of the company also confirmed that two LeddarCore IC programs are in the works: the LC-A2, aimed at the automation layers 1 to 3, with the initial samples slated for the second half of next year, and the LC-A3, which will meet the specifications for automation layers 2 to 4, with anticipated sample availability in 2018.

This next generation LeddarCore IC enables low-cost ADAS and autonomous functions where LiDAR substitutes or complements camera and/or RADAR, support for flash and beam steering LiDAR, and high-density 3D point cloud LiDAR for higher levels of autonomous driving.

Moreover, the LeddarCore IC enables the design of low-cost LiDARs for all levels of autonomous driving, including the capability to map the environment over 360 degrees around the vehicle. This is made possible by its ranges reaching 250m, up to 480,000 points per second (with a resolution down to 0.25º both horizontal and vertical), and a field of view up to 140º.

Analysts anticipate LiDARs to become a key element of the sensor suite of the autonomous car. The raw data output of the chipsets will make them perfectly suitable for state-of-the-art sensor fusion solutions that merge data from different types of sensors to offer a holistic perceptual mapping of a vehicle’s surroundings.

Currently, the company is in the process of choosing a partner for the design, production and joint commercialization effort of the new LeddarCore IC on a huge scale. With the launch of this roadmap, LeddarTech officially adds its name to the chosen list of technology innovators racing to supply automakers with LiDAR solutions that meet strict automotive requirements.

In a statement, LeddarTech CEO Charles Boulanger said that with such cutting-edge ICs incorporating the most efficient optical detection and ranging capabilities, automotive component manufacturer and system integrators will be equipped to supply high-performance solid-state LiDAR sensors and enable the deployment of cutting-edge automation capabilities to the mass markets. He added that rather than commercializing a one-size-fits-all LiDAR as a finished product, LeddarTech offers best-in-class LiDAR core technology packaged into chipsets.

“We put our unique expertise in LiDAR at the service of our clients, enabling them to develop optimized LiDAR designs to drive proprietary, differentiated ADAS/AD solutions. This flexible business model fosters the close collaboration between technology providers, Tier-1s and OEMs, which is paramount for the successful deployment of such novel, disruptive automotive technologies.”