Nextchip prepares to manufacture AI-based ADAS chip Apache 5
To be made using Samsung Foundry’s 14nm node
Fabless company Nextchip has completed the development of the final prototype of its AI-based advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) semiconductor Apache 5 last week, TheElec has learned.
Apache 5 is an SoC that combines the CPU, image signal processor and ADAS algorithm.
It also has a neural processing unit inside that can run a CNN algorithm that can be used to find and sort objects within videos.
Apache 5 supports 1.6TOPS, 800MHz operation speed. It will be made by Samsung Foundry’s 14-nanometer (nm) process node.
Nextchip has been using multi-project wafer (MPW) service, where multiple prototypes are made on a single wafer, since last year for the first batch of Apache 5 prototypes.
The company began using single run service for its second batch of prototypes earlier this year.
The final prototype was completed last week, which means Nextchip found no noticeable defect on it.
Nextchip will be supplying the chip to a tier-1 automobile component supplier based in Japan.
A company spokesperson said Nextchip plans to promote the chip actively in North America and Europe.