ON Semi, Baidu Partner for Autonomous Driving Platform

Semiconductor solutions developer ON Semiconductor will provide image sensors for Baidu Inc.’s Apollo Autonomous Driving Platform.

Through this collaboration, ecosystem partners can get the plug-and-play compatible imaging solutions jointly developed by both companies. Apollo provides an open source, reliable software and hardware system, enabling the efficient development of autonomous driving systems by automotive systems designers. Image sensing is a key component of the Apollo platform for enhanced autonomous driving functionality.

ON Semiconductor’s 3-µm-based advanced CMOS image sensor product provides a foundation to allow customers to immediately begin development of vision systems for autonomous driving, with the flexibility to move to future sensors at volume deployment. With high dynamic range, the sensor is able to provide crisp, clear single images and video in the challenging low and mixed light scenes synonymous with automotive environments.

In addition to simplified and accelerated design, test and implementation of automotive camera applications, the relationship gives Apollo ecosystem members priority access to ON Semiconductor’s technical support and product information. All Apollo partners will also get early opportunities to work with future-generation image sensing technologies from ON Semiconductor.

“Given the importance of cameras as sensors for autonomous driving, we considered many aspects in our selection process for the Apollo platform including product roadmap, experience in automotive and technical support for ecosystem platforms,” said Zhenyu Li, vice president and general manager of Baidu’s intelligent driving. “ON Semiconductor was the right choice for Apollo platform image sensor needs.”

ON Semiconductor is a provider of power management, analog, sensors, logic, timing, connectivity, discrete and system-on-chip devices.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Baidu on their Apollo platform,” said Ross Jatou, vice president and general manager of the automotive solutions group at ON Semiconductor. “We believe that the value of such a platform to automotive system designers will be tremendous. It is underlined by the number of industry leaders already engaged and looking to utilize it. Image sensors are fundamental components of advanced driver-assistance system implementations throughout the vehicle, and they will become even more relevant as the industry moves toward fully autonomous cars.”

Baidu Inc. is a Chinese language internet search provider and developer of technology platforms.