Infineon Technologies AG's subsidiary, Imagimob, has advanced its machine learning offerings in the automotive sector by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) functionalities into Infineon's AURIX microcontrollers. This technological enhancement operates on automotive systems complying with the Automotive Safety Integrity Level D (ASIL-D) standards, which are pivotal for safety-critical applications in vehicles. The AURIX microcontroller families, specifically the TC3x and TC4x, are known for their application in diverse automotive systems that cater to both traditional combustion engines and the rapidly growing electric vehicle segment.
The AURIX TriCore microcontrollers, with their integrated RISC processor core, microcontroller, and digital signal processor (DSP) on a single chip, are engineered for sophisticated safety-oriented automotive applications. These systems provide a robust platform that supports both traditional automotive operations and advanced technologies in electric and hybrid vehicles. The recent integration with AI capabilities represents a significant step forward, enabling functionalities such as driver monitoring, pedestrian recognition, traffic sign identification, and trajectory control, essential for the development of autonomous driving technologies.
The AURIX TC4x series is an improved iteration of Infineon's microcontroller family, featuring the next-generation TriCore 1.8 architecture. It boasts enhanced processing power, scalability, and secure operations, essential for applications in electric mobility (eMobility), advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and evolving automotive electronics. This family is equipped with high-speed communication interfaces including 5G-bit Ethernet and CAN-XL standards, which facilitate flexibility and innovation in connected and autonomous vehicles.
The previous series, AURIX TC3x, utilises a hexa-core architecture supporting ASIL-D compliant systems and plays a significant role in crucial automotive functions such as engine management, transmission control, and braking systems. It is particularly adept for sensor-based technologies including radar and LIDAR, which are vital for autonomous driving and hybrid vehicle technologies focusing on battery management and inverter control.
Imagimob specialises in deploying machine learning (ML) at the edge through its Imagimob Studio platform, which facilitates the creation, training, and deployment of ML models directly onto microcontrollers. This capability is critical as it allows developers, particularly in the automotive industry, to simplify the integration of AI into complex vehicular systems. Imagimob’s platform is designed to support tasks such as object detection, acoustic recognition, and predictive maintenance, making it a valuable tool for automotive manufacturers aiming to implement real-time, secure AI applications.
With the newly integrated AI capabilities, Infineon’s AURIX TC4x microcontrollers can now concurrently manage multiple and more complex machine learning models, thereby enhancing the scope of applications. For instance, while the TC3x series supports basic alert systems like siren detection, the TC4x can handle further complexities such as combining siren detection with voice interaction.
Additionally, strategic collaborations with various software developers have bolstered the functionality of the AURIX microcontrollers. Such partnerships include those with companies like Aurora Labs and Green Hills Software, which contribute to the microcontrollers' enhanced capabilities, making them a cornerstone for developing autonomous, efficient, and connected automotive technologies.
As the automotive industry moves towards increased digitisation and automation, the integration of edge AI solutions into vehicle systems will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the future of mobility, addressing demands for safety, efficiency, and connectivity in modern transportation solutions.
Source: Noah Wire Services