Latest news with #FinFET
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Beyond Vision: Why Radar is the Gamechanger for Autonomous Driving in India
The article is authored by Hitesh Garg, VP and India MD, NXP Semiconductors. India is at a crucial point in its journey toward autonomous mobility with a vision of obtaining full autonomy, which is still on the horizon, but the groundwork is being laid with ADAS becoming more prevalent in mid-range and premium vehicles. A recent report by McKinsey & Company estimates that by 2030, up to 20–30% of new cars sold in India could come with at least Level 2 autonomy , including features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance. The government's push through policies like the PLI scheme for automotive and auto components is further creating a fertile ground for this transformation. As the sector evolves, vision-based systems, while powerful face critical limitations in real-world conditions. Enter radar: a technology that is proving indispensable in ensuring safety, precision, and reliability, especially in India's complicated driving environments. Radar in the Real World: Where Vision Falls Short by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Unlike cameras and LiDAR, which rely heavily on visual data, radar operates on the principle of electromagnetic wave reflection. This allows it to "see" through dense fog, heavy rainfall, pitch darkness, and even dust, scenarios that are all too common across India's varied geographies. Since India's traffic isn't just chaotic; it's also unpredictable, the traditional vision systems can get overwhelmed by the diversity of movement patterns and low-contrast situations. Therefore, Radar systems, with their capability to detect objects up to several hundred meters away, and their resilience in low-visibility conditions, become important allies in enhancing road safety. The Technology Within: Making Radar Affordable and Scalable Further to this development, a new generation of radar microcontrollers are designed specifically for ADAS applications. One such chip is the S32R47, a 32-bit radar processor built on 16 nm FinFET (Fin Field-Effect Transistors) technology. It integrates high-performance signal processing capabilities with multi-core compute, enabling denser point cloud output and enhanced algorithms that enable next-generation driving automation systems from Level 2+ up to Level 4. What sets this chip apart is its ability to deliver imaging radar performance at scale, , alongside improved system cost and power efficiency. The cost efficiency makes it possible to accelerate the roll-out of 4D imaging Radar across all regionsThe S32R47 supports 4D imaging radar, enabling vehicles to accurately detect, classify and track objects, whether they are small or large, still or moving, that are relevant for the vehicle to make driving decisions, It also creates a detailed, real-time map of the vehicle's surroundings. For standard front and corner radar applications, NXP was first to introduce a radar one-chip SoC (System-on-Chip) built on 28nm RFCMOS technology, the SAF85xx, enabling implementation of NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) features, including automated emergency braking and blind-spot detection. It is comprised of a highly integrated RF front-end and a multi-core radar processor. By combining standard or imaging radar with vision systems, manufacturers can create sensor fusion architectures that are scalable, cost-effective and reliable. This makes autonomy more accessible, for both mass-market vehicles and high-end models. Challenges and the Road Ahead Implementing radar-based systems comes with its own set of hurdles. One major challenge is spectrum allocation, as automotive radar operates in the 76–81 GHz band and requires interference-free frequency access to function optimally. Policy-level clarity and dedicated spectrum for automotive radar will be critical to ensure consistent performance in urban and highway scenarios. Another barrier is the lack of indigenous manufacturing for key radar components such as antennas, RF front ends, and MMICs. To overcome this, India needs a focused push toward localizing component production through technology transfers, public-private partnerships, and startup incubators focused on automotive semiconductors. Software also presents a complex challenge. Radar systems must be trained on Indian traffic patterns and road behavior, which can differ significantly from global datasets. Tackling this requires creating large-scale, localized radar datasets and simulation environments to fine-tune performance under diverse Indian driving conditions—from congested city roads to high-speed expressways. Encouragingly, progress is already underway. Global OEMs are investing in India-based R&D hubs, local suppliers are ramping up radar module production, and the use of advanced simulation and testing platforms is accelerating product readiness for Indian conditions. Conclusion The road to autonomous driving in India will not be paved with just vision, it will require the invisible clarity that radar provides. As we move toward a future where safety, accessibility, and scalability are paramount, radar technology emerges not just as a complementary component but as a foundational pillar of that vision. To unlock the full potential of autonomy in India, we must go beyond vision, and radar is showing us the way. Discover everything about the automotive world at Times of India .
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Chinese Researchers Say They Have a Fast, Silicon-Free Transistor
A team of researchers from Peking University claims to have developed a non-silicon transistor that is faster and more power-efficient than the latest tech in the industry. If the claim, which is published in the journal Nature Materials (out of London), is accurate, it would mean that China has bleeding-edge tech that could rival chips from Intel and TSMC, among others. Still, it's a long way from publishing a research paper to turning the tech industry on its head. The team developed a two-dimensional transistor using bismuth oxyselenide. The team's transistor has Gate-all-around technology, the latest field-effect transistor technology. It replaces FinFET. Because GAAFET means less current leakage and helps chip makers create ever-smaller transistors, the inclusion of GAA in the research team's silicon-alternative efforts is crucial. Although the 2D bismuth transistor tech can potentially be more sturdy than silicon, the biggest draw for China could be that it might be able to use equipment it already has to produce transistors on a large scale. Interestingly, the team says that it managed to test its own transistor tech against Intel, Samsung, and TSMC technology and that it performed better than all of them, according to Tom's Hardware. That's a bold claim to make, and we'll believe it when we see it. Even before China and the US became embroiled in the Trump administration's tariffs, the US took steps to prevent China from getting its hands on the latest technology, including silicon transistors. In the face of these roadblocks, China has looked for ways to compete with the world's cutting-edge tech with different materials and home-brewed software. One of the more surprising examples of its occasional success is DeepSeek, which splashed onto the large language model (LLM) AI scene and battered Nvidia's stock (for a time). The fear with technology from China is that the country will use it to collect data on foreign states and their citizens. DeepSeek, for example, appears to be sending user data to China. Huawei, which is based in China, has been looking for ways to produce better processors, but has been challenged by roadblocks put up by the US. Although the research team doesn't indicate that Huawei has shown interest in its new transistor tech, it wouldn't be surprising if Huawei and others use it as a way to work around the limitations of their aging lithography machines.
Express Tribune
12-05-2025
- Science
- Express Tribune
Chinese researchers develop silicon-free transistor technology faster outpacing Intel, TSMC, and Samsung
Chinese researchers at Peking University have unveiled a potentially game-changing silicon-free transistor, claiming it could outperform the latest chips from Intel, TSMC, and Samsung. The innovation, based on a two-dimensional material known as bismuth oxyselenide, marks a major shift in chip architecture. The transistor employs a gate-all-around (GAAFET) design, with the gate fully enveloping the source—unlike traditional FinFET technology, which provides only partial gate coverage. This full-contact structure significantly reduces energy leakage and allows greater control over current flow, resulting in improved performance. According to the research team, the new transistor operates up to 40% faster than Intel's latest 3nm chips and consumes 10% less power. Tests were conducted under the same conditions used for commercial-grade processors. The findings, published in Nature Materials, suggest the transistor may represent the most efficient and powerful to date. Lead scientist Professor Peng Hailin described the innovation as 'changing lanes' rather than simply improving existing materials. The new design avoids the vertical stack typical of FinFETs and instead resembles an interwoven bridge-like structure, helping overcome miniaturisation challenges as chip sizes approach sub-3nm levels. Two novel bismuth-based compounds power the breakthrough: Bi₂O₂Se as the semiconductor and Bi₂SeO₅ as the gate dielectric. Both materials feature low interface energy, reducing electron scattering and enabling near-resistance-free electron flow. 'This allows electrons to flow with almost no resistance, like water through a smooth pipe,' Peng explained. Importantly, the researchers say their transistor can be fabricated using existing semiconductor infrastructure, potentially easing the path to large-scale production. They have already used the design to create small logic units. If commercialised, the development could significantly disrupt the global chip market and accelerate the shift away from silicon-based technology.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
NXP Unveils Next-Gen Radar Chip To Boost Autonomous Driving Systems
NXP Semiconductors NV (NASDAQ:NXPI) showcased its new S32R47 imaging radar processors in 16 nm FinFET technology on Thursday. The third generation of imaging radar processors delivers up to twice the processing power of the previous generation. With NXP's mmWave radar transceivers, power management, and in-vehicle networking solutions, the S32R47 family meets functional safety ASIL ISO 26262 ASIL B(D) requirements. Also Read: According to Yole Intelligence's Status of the Radar Industry 2024 report, by 2029, approximately 40% of vehicles entering the road will be passenger cars with driving automation Level 2+(L2+)/ Level 3 (L3), with an increasing number of vehicles with Level 4 (L4). Imaging radar leverages richer point cloud data for more detailed modeling of the environment. This is a key enabler for AI-based perception systems, which allow for assisted and autonomous driving in the most challenging environmental conditions, such as complex urban scenarios. The S32R47 integrates a high-performance multi-core radar processing system, allowing denser point cloud output and enhanced algorithms that enable next-generation ADAS systems. This results in better separability of objects, improved detection reliability, and more accurate classification of objects such as vulnerable road users or lost cargo. In April, NXP reported first-quarter results. The company reported first-quarter revenue of $2.84 billion, down 9%, in line with analyst estimates. The company reported first-quarter adjusted earnings of $2.64 per share, beating analyst estimates of $2.58. NXP expects second-quarter revenue of $2.8 billion to $3 billion versus estimates of $2.87 billion. The company sees second-quarter adjusted earnings of $2.46 to $2.86 per share versus estimates of $2.65. "NXP's first-quarter results and guidance for the second quarter underpin a cautious optimism that NXP continues to effectively navigate through a challenging set of market conditions. We are operating in a very uncertain environment influenced by tariffs with volatile direct and indirect effects," said Kurt Sievers, president and CEO of NXP. "Considering these external factors, we are redoubling our efforts to manage what is in our direct control, enabling NXP to drive solid profitability and earnings," Sievers added. Price Action: NXPI stock is trading up 0.97% to $188.69 at the last check on Thursday. Image via Shutterstock Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? This article NXP Unveils Next-Gen Radar Chip To Boost Autonomous Driving Systems originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
NXP introduces third-generation imaging radar processors for advanced autonomous driving
NXP Semiconductors has introduced its S32R47 imaging radar processors , utilising 16 nm FinFET technology, to enhance autonomous driving capabilities. The third-generation processors, building on NXP 's radar expertise, offer twice the processing power with improved cost and power efficiency. These processors, combined with NXP's other solutions, meet safety standards and aim to advance autonomous driving. The new S32R47 processors address the growing demand for autonomous driving technology . They are essential for features like piloted driving and automated parking . 'The S32R47 can efficiently process three times, or more, antenna channels in real time than today's production solutions. It enables improved imaging radar resolution, sensitivity and dynamic range - required by demanding autonomous driving use cases - while still meeting the stringent power and system cost targets set by OEMs for volume production', said Meindert van den Beld, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Radar & ADAS.
