Texas Instruments (TI) released a new series of microprocessors, the Jacinto 7 line. It was introduced at CES amid a series of demos. There are two devices right out of the chute, both aimed at an aspect of the automotive sector: the TDA4VM processors suit advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and the DRA829V processors for gateway platforms.

Both parts bring enhanced deep learning capabilities and advanced networking, as well as specialized on-chip accelerators to segment and expedite data-intensive tasks, like computer vision and deep learning.

Because the two devices are built with a functional safety microcontroller, OEMs and other suppliers can support both ASIL-D safety-critical tasks and convenience features with one chip. However, as shown during the demos, internal firewalls ensure that what happens on the “convenience” side has no effect on the mission-critical aspects.

The devices share the same software platform, allowing developers to reuse their software investment across multiple vehicle domains. Note that the processors can execute high-performance operations using just 5 to 20 W of power, which eliminates the need for active cooling.

The TDA4VM processor offers on-chip analytics combined with sensor pre-processing, enabling more efficient system performance. This allows support for front camera applications using high-resolution 8-Mpixel cameras to see farther and add enhanced features, such as drive assist. In addition, TDA4VM processors can simultaneously operate four to six 3-Mpixel cameras while also fusing other sensing modalities such as radar, LIDAR, and ultrasonic on one chip. This multilevel capability enables TDA4VM to act as the centralized processor for ADAS and enables the critical features for automated parking, like surround view and image processing for displays, enhancing vehicle perception for 360 degrees of awareness.

Meanwhile, the DRA829V processor seamlessly integrates the computing functions required for modern vehicles. As vehicle technology advances, automotive gateways need a flexible processor to manage higher volumes of data and support evolving requirements for autonomy and enhanced connectivity. The DRA829V incorporates a PCIe switch on-chip in addition to integrating an eight-port gigabit TSN-enabled Ethernet switch for faster high-performance computing functions and communications throughout the car.

Developers can get started immediately with Jacinto 7 processors development kits and buy the new TDA4VMXEVM and DRA829VXEVM evaluation modules on TI’s website. Preproduction TDA4VM and DRA8329V processors are available in 1000-unit quantities. Volume production is expected to be available in the second half of 2020.

For more information, visit TI.com