TI's Automotive Solutions: Enabling Smarter and Safer Driving Experiences

Introduction

At CES 2024, Texas Instruments (TI) unveiled a new portfolio of advanced automotive semiconductors aimed at enhancing vehicle safety and intelligence. These include the AWR2544 millimeter-wave radar sensor and the DRV3946-Q1 and DRV3901-Q1 driver chips. Designed to support advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and smart powertrain systems, these innovations help automakers create safer and more efficient vehicles.

Features

1. Single-Chip Radar Sensor

   • The AWR2544 is the industry's first 77GHz radar sensor designed for satellite radar architectures.
   • Provides sensing ranges beyond 200 meters, enhancing ADAS decision-making with improved sensor fusion.
   • Incorporates Launch-on-Package (LOP) technology, reducing sensor size by up to 30%.

2. Integrated Driver Chips for Safety and Efficiency

   • DRV3946-Q1: The industry’s first fully integrated contactor driver featuring peak-and-hold current control to improve system efficiency while integrating safety diagnostics.
   • DRV3901-Q1: An integrated squib driver designed for intelligent pyro fuse systems, enabling simpler and safer battery management.

3. Functional Safety Compliance

   • Both chips are ISO 26262 compliant, offering built-in diagnostics and protection to streamline development and meet functional safety requirements.

Applications

1. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

   • The AWR2544 is suitable for front, side, and rear radar systems, offering comprehensive 360-degree sensor coverage.
   • Enhances vehicle autonomy by enabling smarter decision-making based on sensor fusion in satellite architectures.

2. Powertrain and Battery Management Systems (BMS)

   • The DRV3946-Q1 optimizes high-voltage circuit control, improving EV and HEV battery performance.
   • The DRV3901-Q1 simplifies powertrain design with intelligent monitoring and diagnostics, ensuring reliability and efficiency in EV systems.

Conclusion

TI’s latest automotive semiconductor solutions combine cutting-edge performance with innovative designs to help automakers achieve new levels of safety and intelligence. Whether it’s the AWR2544 radar sensor enabling advanced ADAS capabilities or the driver chips enhancing EV powertrain efficiency, TI continues to lead the way in automotive technology. By partnering with automakers, TI is shaping a smarter, safer, and more sustainable future for mobility.