NXP Semiconductor demos car communication sys based on IEEE802.11P

NXP Semiconductors N.V. has presented a live demonstration of car-to-x (C2X) communication on a public road in the Netherlands. NXP has co-developed the C2X platform with Australian-based Cohda Wireless.

C2X communication uses IEEE802.11p, a wireless standard designed specifically for automotive applications. This allows cars to communicate with each other (car-to-car) as well as with intelligent traffic infrastructure (car-to-infrastructure) around them. The newly developed C2X platform from NXP and Cohda actually "sees" around corners in order to recognize traffic blocks or risks before they are visible to the human eye. Drivers therefore receive early warnings of cars hidden from sight behind trucks or approaching from around corners. Other use cases are warnings about emergency vehicles and traffic jams, or traffic light signals allowing drivers to adjust their speed and optimize driving.

The C2X platform is able to meet the requirements of the automotive industry: reliable signal reception for fast-moving objects even in difficult surroundings, cost-efficient design, and flexible programming. It uses Cohda's Advanced IEEE 802.11p radio and is based on NXP's multi-standard radio reception platform. NXP's expertise as global leader in car entertainment semiconductors and Cohda's patented reception algorithms are critical factors for successful development.

Kurt Sievers, senior vice president and general manager of the Automotive business at NXP Semiconductors, explains: "Connecting the car to the environment demands in-depth expertise in secure connectivity, Software-Defined Radio architectures, and telematics. These technologies are at the very heart of NXP's automotive portfolio. NXP has therefore set a high priority on gaining the pole position in connected mobility. The SPITS project has been extremely valuable for us as it brought experts and research partners from all parts of the value chain together all working towards the same goal: efficient and sustainable mobility solutions."