Quanergy Systems (Sunnyvale, CA), which provides optical phased array (OPA)-based solid-state lidar sensors and smart 3D solutions for automotive and Internet of Things (IoT) adoption, has completed a driving demonstration of its S3 Series solid-state lidar sensor, which uses OPA technology and a scalable CMOS silicon manufacturing process for cost-effective, mass-market production.
The demonstration was conducted in partnership with Zero Electric Vehicles (ZEV; Tempe, AZ), a sustainable energy company that provides fleet electrification and EV platforms for companies looking to maximize their existing assets while transitioning to electric transportation.
For this test, a solid-state lidar test platform with single scanning beam was mounted on a vehicle, along with additional cameras to facilitate visual viewing. The test vehicle followed a target vehicle driving in bright sunlight at a variety of ranges—from a close proximity to a distance of 100 m—while maintaining safety at all times. A target with 10% reflectivity was chosen to simulate very difficult-to-detect objects.
Quanergy’s S3 Series lidar sensor is designed to meet stringent automotive requirements for object detection and collision avoidance. The sensor’s electronic beam steering without any moving parts offers immunity to shock and vibration. The sensor provides over 100,000 mean time between failures, and it is targeting a price of $500 for mass-market production.
Dr. Tianyue Yu, Quanergy co-founder and chief development officer, says that the team is now working towards performance targets that include longer range, increased vertical field of view, and data rate.