Optimised Processor Core for Automotive Radar Systems

AptCore有限公司开发硅芯片(IC)的知识产权。该公司雇佣了四名全职员工，外加另外五名兼职或根据需要的员工。AptCore已经开发了一种用于汽车雷达系统的IC设计，但目前还没有这样的IC。AptCore计划将设计许可证出售给老牌汽车IC制造商。市场研究显示，一个巨大的市场将从2010年增长，当时全球生产的5700万辆汽车中只有1%拥有基于雷达的系统，到2022年，全球应用程序的比例将达到22%。AptCore已经能够用SystemC模型模拟设计的好处。与潜在客户的初步讨论令人鼓舞，并表明需要在试验台上使用雷达硬件建立概念验证数据。AptCore通过咨询工作持续实现财务自给自足，迄今已为该项目的两个工年的开发提供了资金。将项目从模拟转移到硬件台架测试的成本需要TSB的财政援助。假设成功完成这一概念验证，项目的下一阶段将涉及原型开发和在测试车上的安装。AptCore将寻求赢得一份客户开发合同，以帮助第二阶段的资金。除了性能改进外，AptCore的设计还将显著降低驾驶员辅助系统的成本，如盲点检测、雷达辅助巡航控制和在车辆前面检测到行人时自动刹车。这些好处将大幅改善司机、乘客和行人的道路安全，并将减少事故，从而改善拥堵和排放。随着AptCore扩大其团队，AptCore将在该地区获得经济效益。AptCore拥有强大的技术和营销团队、支持网络，并与目标汽车公司建立了联系。

AptCore Ltd develops intellectual property for silicon chips (ICs). The company employs four full time people, plus another five people part-time or as required.AptCore has developed a design for an IC for automotive radar systems; no such IC exists today. AptCore plans to sell licenses of the design to established automotive ICmanufacturers.Market research shows a large market set to grow, from 2010, when just 1% of the 57Milvehicles manufactured globally had radar based systems to 22% global application by 2022.AptCore has been able to simulate the benefits of the design with a SystemC model. Initial discussions with prospective customers have been encouraging and have indicated a need to establish proof of concept data using radar hardware on a bench test.AptCore has ongoing financial self-sufficiency from consultancy work, and has funded two man years of development in the project to-date. The cost of moving the project fromsimulation to a hardware bench test required financial assistance from the TSB.Assuming a successful completion of this proof of concept, the next phase of the project will involve prototype development and installation in a test vehicle. AptCore will seek to win a customer development contract to assist funding of this second phase.In addition to performance improvements, the AptCore design will significantly reduce the cost of driver assistance systems such as Blind Spot Detection, Radar Assisted Cruise Control and Automatic Application of Brakes when pedestrians are detected in front of the vehicle.These benefits will bring substantial improvements in road safety for drivers, passengers and pedestrians, and will reduce accidents and hence improve congestion and emissions.Economic benefits in the region will be seen as AptCore expands its team.AptCore has strong technology and marketing teams, a support network, and contacts with targeted automotive companies.