SolidVue Develops Long-Range LiDAR Sensor SoC Prototype for Automotive Application

Completes the development of a 128m long-range LiDAR sensor prototype
Plans to pursue Series B investment by the year-end or early next year

SolidVue, a CMOS LiDAR sensor specialist, has developed a 128m long-range LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor prototype. The company plans to supply this to customers starting next year.

Choi Jaehyuk, CEO of SolidVue, met with reporters at the company's headquarters in Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, recently, stating, "We completed the development of the 128-meter long-range LiDAR sensor prototype at the end of September and plan to develop an ES (Engineering Sample) chip based on the core technology of the prototype to supply to customers next year." He further explained, "To achieve this, we are considering securing follow-up investments by the end of this year or early next year."

Established in November 2020, SolidVue is a startup specializing in designing LiDAR sensors into SoCs (System-on-Chip).

LiDAR technology measures three-dimensional distance information by investigating high-power pulsed lasers reflected off objects. It is a crucial technology for autonomous vehicles.

While LiDAR systems have been predominantly used in automobiles, the technology is expanding into markets such as robotics, machine vision, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR). However, among companies developing LiDAR modules, Japan's Sony stands as the sole entity holding LiDAR sensor semiconductor solutions.

According to market research firm Yole Développement, the global market size for LiDAR sensors used in autonomous vehicles is estimated to reach about $2.8 billion (approximately 3 trillion KRW) by 2024, with an annual growth rate of 55%.

The evolution of conventional mechanically-based LiDAR modules, comprised of motors and mirrors, is transitioning toward semiconductor-based fixed LiDAR modules. SolidVue previously unveiled mid-range LiDAR prototypes for mechanical LiDAR applications with detection ranges of 48m and 64m. This recent development of the 128m LiDAR prototype targets fixed LiDAR applications.

CEO Choi mentioned, "The single-chip LiDAR sensor SoC developed by SolidVue for fixed LiDAR is expected to reduce volume by a factor of 10 and cost by a factor of 100 compared to conventional mechanically-based LiDAR." He added, "Based on the core technology applied in the prototype, we plan to develop high-sensitivity sensor SoC products capable of detecting distances of over 150m in the future."

SolidVue's greatest strengths lie in its technological prowess and human resources. The company possesses veterans with extensive experience in the field of image and LiDAR sensor development, considered as core talents. They are actively engaging in patent applications. As of October this year, SolidVue has filed a total of 14 patents for LiDAR IC core technologies, with three registered, aiming for 30 applications by next year.

Currently, SolidVue has secured partnerships with several domestic customers, actively collaborating with LiDAR module companies, and developing LiDAR sensor ICs for domestic major companies' vehicles.

SolidVue plans to enhance the completion of the newly developed prototypes and supply them to customers in ES (Engineering Samples) format by the third quarter of next year. Mass production is scheduled to commence as early as the first quarter of the following year. During this phase, SolidVue is contemplating securing additional funding through new investments. The company successfully secured a Series A investment of 2 billion KRW through Quad Ventures, Smilegate Investment, and Quantum Ventures last year.

CEO Choi stated, "We will provide sensor semiconductor solutions for fixed LiDAR capable of high-precision 3D object and space detection." He added, "We are considering securing investment for ES chip development by the end of this year or early next year."

View original article : 솔리드뷰, 전장용 장거리 라이다 센서 SoC 시제품 개발 - 전자부품 전문 미디어 디일렉 (thelec.kr)