Lidar sensors on board a vehicle generate large amounts of data to support autonomous mobility. Automatic synchronization of these sensors via Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) protocols and technologies can be critical to building advanced autonomous solutions.
CAST, an independent IP supplier, has extensive experience with automotive networking IP cores. They have deep understanding of the engineering requirements and challenges companies face integrating TSN IP.
A TSN-enabled in-vehicle network can provide very high precision synchronization of independent lidar point clouds without additional dedicated hardware. Solutions supplied by CAST offered Velodyne the opportunity to accelerate time to market. They provide an established reference for increased interoperability with third party networks and systems.
To learn more about CAST, we connected with Peter Dumin, a Product Manager at CAST.
A: Absolutely. Founded in 1993, CAST has focused exclusively on reusable semiconductor intellectual property since before that was an industry and “IP cores” a term. We develop, integrate and aggregate high-quality digital IP. We offer flexible licensing to meet each customer’s requirements and provide some of the industry’s best customer support. Our product line features both leading-edge and commodity technologies, encompassing processors, compression engines, standard interfaces, peripherals and security components.
A: The idea behind a lidar sensor is based on measuring the travel time of laser light from its source to the target and back. With this information and the knowledge of the wavelengths, the lidar sensor is able to provide a very precise 3D map of the surroundings. This method generates a massive pool of data, which needs to be transmitted with low latency and within a guaranteed period of time and bandwidth. TSN provides a set of standards that enable ultra-low latency, deterministic communication over conventional Ethernet to achieve these goals with the required high degree of reliability.
A: The automotive industry started adopting rapidly TSN a few years ago. The fact that autonomous driving is only a matter of time is probably the main force accelerating this trend. There is no doubt that TSN is the backbone of ADAS – Advanced Driver Assistance Systems. However, we also believe the TSN protocol will be implemented in numerous systems beyond ADAS. An autonomous car will become our house-on-wheels. We would like to have it equipped with fast Internet access, streaming services and other data-related features. This all ideally defines the TSN use. CAST recognizes the future requirements and constantly updates the TSN profiles, features and subsystems. TSN Endpoint, TSN Switched Endpoints or TSN Switch – these key modules are already available. We are working further to provide up-to-date solutions for the automotive industry.
A: CAST has a unique track record of building long-term partnerships with world-class application-area engineering teams. We help package, deliver and support IP cores encapsulating the developer’s expertise. The CAST TSN line of IP Cores has been developed in partnership with Fraunhofer IPMS, which among other areas of interest, specializes in the solutions for the automotive industry. Our partnership started with LIN and CAN core development. It evolved through various, successful extensions to the CAN core and then expanded into TSN. Thanks to Fraunhofer IMPS’s technical expertise, commitment to quality and dedication to end-user success, we are proud of having a reliable solution for the automotive and other market segments, where TSN is needed. The CAST TSN IP solution is verified and –at the same time – vibrant and dynamic. We are constantly adding new features to make the final IP more versatile and responsive to the new market challenges.
Velodyne Lidar (Nasdaq: VLDR, VLDRW) ushered in a new era of autonomous technology with the invention of real-time surround view lidar sensors. Velodyne, a global leader in lidar, is known for its broad portfolio of breakthrough lidar technologies. Velodyne’s revolutionary sensor and software solutions provide flexibility, quality and performance to meet the needs of a wide range of industries, including robotics, industrial, intelligent infrastructure, autonomous vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Through continuous innovation, Velodyne strives to transform lives and communities by advancing safer mobility for all.
