TI Launches New Edge AI-enabled Radar Sensor and Automotive Audio Processors

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Texas Instruments (TI) introduced new integrated automotive chips to enable safer, more immersive driving experiences at any vehicle price point. TI's AWRL6844 60GHz mmWave radar sensor supports occupancy monitoring for seat belt reminder systems, child presence detection and intrusion detection with a single chip running edge AI algorithms, enabling a safer driving environment. With TI's next-generation audio DSP core, the AM275x-Q1 MCUs and AM62D-Q1 processors make premium audio features more affordable. Paired with TI's latest analog products, including the TAS6754-Q1 Class-D audio amplifier, engineers can take advantage of a complete audio amplifier system offering.

"Today's drivers expect any car – entry-level to luxury, combustion to electric – to have enhanced in-cabin experiences," said Amichai Ron, senior vice president, TI Embedded Processing. "TI continues to provide innovative technologies to enable the future of the automotive driving experience. Our edge AI-enabled radar sensors allow automakers to make vehicles safer and more responsive to the driver, while our audio systems-on-chip elevate the drive through more immersive audio. Together they create a whole new level of in-cabin experiences."

Edge AI-enabled, three-in-one radar sensor increases detection accuracy

Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are gradually designing in more sensors to enhance the in-vehicle experience and meet evolving safety standards. TI's edge AI-enabled AWRL6844 60GHz mmWave radar sensor enables engineers to incorporate three in-cabin sensing features to replace multiple sensor technologies, such as in-seat weight mats and ultrasonic sensors, lowering total implementation costs by an average of US$20 per vehicle.

The AWRL6844 integrates four transmitters and four receivers, enabling high-resolution sensing data at an optimized cost for OEMs. This data feeds into application-specific AI-driven algorithms on a customizable on-chip hardware accelerator and DSP, improving decision-making accuracy and reducing processing time. The edge intelligence capabilities of the AWRL6844 sensor that help improve the driving experience include these examples:

While driving, it supports occupant detection and localization with 98% accuracy to enable seat belt reminders.

After parking, it monitors for unattended children in the vehicle, using neural networks that detect micromovements in real time with over 90% classification accuracy. This direct sensing capability enables OEMs to meet 2025 European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP) design requirements.

When parked, it adapts to different environments through intelligent scanning, reducing false intrusion detection alerts caused by car shaking and external movement.