LeddarTech delivers first LCA2 LiDAR chips to automotive partners

Samples and evaluation kits of industry’s first 3D SSL system-on-chip ships to first partners for autonomous driving applications

LeddarTech, Quebec City, has delivered the first A-samples of its LeddarCore LCA2 system-on-chip (SoC) to an automotive partner that will be publicly disclosed at a later date this year. The LCA2 is the autonomous vehicle industry’s first 3D solid-state LiDAR (SSL) SoC and is available now to Tier-1 automotive manufacturers and system integrators via purchase of the LeddarTech LCA2 evaluation kit. High-volume delivery of the LCA2 will begin in the first half of 2019 for deployment in Autonomous Driving (AD) and Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS). 

The LCA2 uses LeddarTech’s LeddarSP signal processing software to produce raw LiDAR data such as distance, position, and intensity of echoes. LCA2 is suitable for a wide range of applications, can be produced in high volumes for rapid mass-market deployment, and is ideal for SSL used in AD/ADAS. LeddarTech’s technology – including the LCA2 and LeddarSP – is supported by an IP portfolio containing 58 patents (44 granted, 14 pending).

“We’re proud to be the first company in the industry to deliver 3D solid-state LiDAR SoCs,” says LeddarTech general manager of automotive business unit Michael Poulin. “This announcement shows that LeddarTech is a company that’s beyond the point of conceptualization and delivers on its ideas and promises.”

LCA2 evaluation kits are available to prospective automotive partners and benchmark the technology against intended application requirements. Kits contain:

One fully-functional solid-state LiDAR unit integrating an LCA2 SoC

LeddarSP signal processing software

Additional software to facilitate evaluation and application development

Tier-1s and OEMs that order an evaluation kit are able to immediately begin application development and integration efforts of their custom LCA2-based LiDAR. To accelerate and support partner development of LCA2-based LiDAR, LeddarTech is providing engineering services and access to the company’s SSL experts. LeddarTech’s ecosystem partners are also supporting customers in making the proper selection and integration of key components such as lasers and photodetectors.

“LeddarTech’s LCA2 SoCs present an opportunity for our partners to develop their own optimized and tailored LiDAR solution and develop strong in-house LiDAR expertise,” adds Poulin. “We now have a wide ecosystem of developers and suppliers adopting our LiDAR platform, which will accelerate optimization and cost reduction of solutions, hence supporting increased speed of adoption of autonomous driving.”

About LeddarTech

LeddarTech is the developer and owner of Leddar, a patented solid-state LiDAR sensing technology that constitutes a novel approach to light detection and ranging. Developed over 10+ years of R&D, Leddar is a unique combination of advanced light wave digital signal processing and software algorithms that enable the production of solid-state LiDARs delivering superior performance and reliability at a highly competitive price.

LeddarTech sensors are used in multiple mobility-related markets including automotive, intelligent transport systems, drones, and industrial vehicles. Its technology contributes to improving safety and quality of life through applications minimizing the risks of accidents, reducing traffic congestion, and improving transport efficiency.

Source from:EPT