LeddarTech Inc., Integrated Device Technology Aim to Make Self-Driving Lidar Tech Cheaper
Today LeddarTech Inc., of Quebec City, and Integrated Device Technology of San Jose, California, have announced they have entered a partnership to develop the LeddarCore LCA2 integrated circuits, a key element of lidar systems for automated vehicles.
“This partnership brings together two driving forces, combining LeddarTech’s highly specialized know-how in solid-state lidars with IDT’s world-class expertise in the development of highly integrated automotive-grade ICs. IDT’s strong track record and extensive relationships within the automotive ecosystem make it a partner of choice for the LCA2 project,” says LeddarTech CEO, Charles Boulanger.
LeddarTech says the LCA2 allows for higher lidar ranges and sensitivity at lower cost, enabling the production of 2-D and 3-D flash lidars that cost less than $100 each. These can be used for advanced driver assist applications, such as park assist, or even fully autonomous driving systems.
Integrated Device Technology builds systems for automotive, communications, computing, consumer, and industrial markets, and LeddarTech is the developer and owner of a LiDAR sensing technology named Leddar, a patented combination of light wave signal processing and software algorithms.
IDT will use its skills in the development, design, architecture, characterization, and manufacturing of the new LCA2 model.
The LiDAR units were on display last month at CES. Engineering samples are expected to be available in early 2018, with volume production planned for the end of the year.
