Software-definable lidar pioneer AEye has unveiled its new 4Sight Flex reference design for automotive applications. AEye describes 4Sight Flex as something that delivers top-tier performance and seamless integration so as not to infringe on or negatively impact OEM designs. 4Sight Flex promises a small and energy-efficient form factor with consideration given to cost as AEye looks to enable the next generation of L2+, L3, and L4 autonomy and other safety features that can be integrated inside the cabin.
4Sight Flex Integration
In its press materials, highlighting the release of 4Sight Flex, AEye makes a note of how, for over a century, automakers have focused on the styling, efficiency, and feel of their vehicles to ultimately distinguish their brands, be it an off-road SUV or a luxury car.
4Sight Flex is engineered to allow OEMs to continue their design process without interruption. Seamless integration for OEMs, be it in places like the windshield or roof, was a key area of focus for AEye’s team.
“We believe that performance and design both matter and that both are important to driving lidar adoption with OEMs. Our customers and partners want options that go beyond yesterday’s large antennas and today’s sensors protruding outside the vehicle,” said Matt Fisch, CEO of AEye. “With 4Sight Flex, AEye is delivering what the market demands – exceptional lidar performance together with the option for a more integrated design in the OEMs’ location of choice.”
4Sight Flex Specifications
The 4Sight Flex reference design delivers stellar behind-the-windshield performance. AEye said the company believes it is currently the only 1550 nanometer (nm) high-performance lidar capable of in-cabin integration.
Key 4Sight Flex features include a 120° horizontal (H) x 30° vertical (V) field of view, with ultra-high resolution of up to 0.05° x 0.05° and long-range detection of up to 275 meters at 10 percent reflectivity. Compared to AEye’s first-generation design, 4Sight Flex delivers the aforementioned performance at approximately half the size and with up to a 40 percent lower power consumption.
Likewise, 4Sight Flex also offers what AEye believes to be the lowest technical risk solution at one of the lowest volume costs in the industry. As AEye scales production for automotive volumes, it anticipates an additional 10 to 20 percent component cost reduction compared to the current generation.
“4Sight Flex leverages proven IP and qualified vendors from AEye’s first generation 4Sight automotive reference design,” the company said in a statement. “By maximizing the re-use of automotive qualified components, AEye reduces customer risk while producing significant cost savings as volumes ramp.”
OTA Updates & Availability
AEye’s 4Sight Flex leverages the 4Sight Intelligent Sensing Platform, allowing for programmable lidar performance that meets the necessary requirements of any number of driving environments. Since 4Sight Flex is reconfigured via software, OEMs can push new capabilities to the lidar sensors through over-the-air updates.
4Sight Flex will be available in 2024.
