Onsemi and NVIDIA: Hyperlux Sensors Elevate NVIDIA DRIVE Vision

September 21, 2023 – ON Semiconductor is pleased to announce the seamless integration of its cutting-edge Hyperlux™ image sensor series with the NVIDIA DRIVE platform. This integration marks a significant advancement in enhancing the visual capabilities of autonomous vehicles, ultimately fortifying their safety. The powerful combination of Hyperlux sensors and NVIDIA DRIVE technology empowers autonomous systems to capture finer details with exceptional image quality, regardless of varying lighting conditions.

Visual perception is a cornerstone of autonomous driving, and the Hyperlux image sensors have revolutionized this vital aspect. These sensors deliver ultra-fine image quality without the need for constant exposure adjustments, eliminating visual blind spots and providing the NVIDIA DRIVE platform with top-tier data quality. This results in accelerated data processing and smarter, more informed decision-making. Additionally, Hyperlux image sensors boast industry-leading low power consumption, contributing to energy-efficient operations when integrated with the NVIDIA DRIVE platform for Autonomous Vehicles (AVs).

NVIDIA DRIVE is a robust, open, and scalable artificial intelligence (AI) platform that encompasses hardware, software, and firmware, synergistically working together to drive advancements in autonomous and driverless vehicle production.

Enhancing Safety through Enhanced Vision

Chris Adams, Vice President of ON Semiconductor's Automotive Sensing Division, stated, "Exceptional image quality is of paramount importance for autonomous vehicles, as the public expects them to outperform human drivers. The introduction of Hyperlux into the NVIDIA DRIVE platform empowers automakers to develop systems capable of detecting and addressing issues before they become critical, a pivotal step toward achieving full autonomous driving."

Hyperlux image sensors stand out as one of the few sensors capable of providing an impressive 150 dB High Dynamic Range (HDR), meeting and surpassing these expectations. For example, even when driving into the glaring sunset, a scenario that might overwhelm the human eye, autonomous vehicles equipped with Hyperlux image sensors can discern whether distant traffic lights are yellow or red. In low-light conditions, image sensors utilizing Super Exposure Pixel technology exceed requirements by capturing individuals, animals, and objects that may challenge human drivers to detect.

Hyperlux sensors deliver the critical information required by the NVIDIA DRIVE platform to make highly accurate decisions. These sensors rarely miss frames that could contain essential details, and they do not necessitate exposure mode adjustments to obtain clear images. With no delays, the system can discern every detail within its field of view, including objects beyond the capabilities of the human eye, and make informed decisions accordingly.

Glenn Schuster, Senior Director of Advanced Sensors Ecosystem at NVIDIA, emphasized, "Fostering public trust in autonomous driving hinges on ensuring that these four-wheeled supercomputers can safely transport passengers to their destinations. Hyperlux image sensors are now an integral part of our ecosystem, enabling us to consistently provide tailored solutions to automotive OEMs and their tier-one suppliers. This ensures heightened system performance, functional safety, and cybersecurity."

Stable and Reliable Performance

To guarantee safety, image sensors must maintain stable performance under all conditions. Extreme temperatures can degrade image quality, diminishing the efficiency of perception tasks, such as object detection and classification, within the overall system. The Hyperlux series stands as the pinnacle of image quality for visual and perception applications across the entire automotive application temperature range, spanning from -40°C to 125°C. This ensures performance consistency. The Hyperlux series not only delivers clear images in high-temperature conditions but also excels at capturing fast-moving objects, vehicle headlights, and flashing lights, thereby elevating overall system safety.