Companies join for advance automotive safety platform

G4App cooperates with Freescale on active vehicle safety product with emphases on 3D image processing and mobile communications:

Original article:

Companies join for advance automotive safety platform

"Joint platform brings dedicated short-range communications with Web connectivity to mainstream vehicles.

Freescale Semiconductor and G4 Apps are soon to announce availability of a jointly developed, production-ready automotive platform for safety and telematics applications. Designed to support a full range of mobile Web connectivity options including cellular and WiFi, the platform features an industry-proven module for dedicated short-range communications (DSRC).

DSRC is the protocol and radio interface used in the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) VII program for vehicle safety, using bandwidth set aside by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) exclusively for use in real-time vehicle safety and mobility applications. The platform’s cellular and WiFi connectivity and software services enable general-purpose mobile Web connectivity and support the mobility applications underway in the USDOT SAFE TRIP 21 initiative, as well as similar safety and mobility initiatives around the world.

Based on Freescale’s MPC5121e multicore microprocessor, the production-ready automotive safety and telematics platform enables a full-featured solution designed for implementation in volume trials under continuous use. The platform provides a comprehensive reference design that automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers can use to develop higher volume products. “Multiple wireless technologies and exceptional processing power are available today to improve vehicle mobility and safety systems,” said Mike Bryars, manager of Freescale’s Infotainment, Multimedia and Telematics Operation. “Our goal with this platform is to enable automotive manufacturers and suppliers to immediately undertake large-scale trials in everyday use and fine-tune their applications for ubiquitous roll out. The platform is based on the an automotive processor for telematics, enabling fast time to volume production of automotive-grade systems.”

The MPC5121e device provides an ideal processing platform for a wide range of automotive telematics and safety applications. Based on Power Architecture technology, the MPC5121e includes an advanced graphics accelerator required for high-resolution 3D processing, along with sufficient capability to support personal device and Web-based infotainment applications and real-time safety capabilities.

“The reduction of traffic fatalities through passive safety systems, such as passenger restraints and air bags, seems to have reached its limits,” said Bob Burrows, CEO of G4 Apps. “To help reduce fatalities even more, the automotive industry is moving to minimise accidents through the use of vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications and real-time collision warnings. These same technologies enable us to streamline drive time, improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. With DSRC-based safety applications already running and a host of proven mobility and navigation products now available, our jointly developed platform is designed to provide a visible, reliable and cost-effective solution for the auto industry.”"

Other expresses:
Freescale and G4 Apps Jointly Develop Automotive Safety and Telematics Platform [October 16, 2008]