NXP Unveils Third-Generation Imaging Radar Processors for Level 2+ to 4 Autonomous Driving

Rhea-AI Summary

NXP Semiconductors (NASDAQ: NXPI) has introduced its third-generation S32R47 imaging radar processors for autonomous driving applications. Built on 16 nm FinFET technology, these processors deliver up to 2x processing power compared to the previous generation, with a 38% smaller IC footprint.

The new processors enable enhanced radar capabilities crucial for Level 2+ to Level 4 autonomous driving, with improved imaging resolution, sensitivity, and dynamic range. Key features include processing three times more antenna channels in real-time than current solutions, while meeting ASIL ISO 26262 ASIL B(D) safety requirements. The technology enables better object detection, including vulnerable road users and lost cargo.

According to Yole Intelligence, approximately 40% of vehicles entering the road by 2029 will feature L2+/L3 driving automation, with increasing L4 adoption. The S32R47 achieves comparable or better performance with up to 89% fewer antenna channels than alternatives, reducing system cost and power consumption.

Positive

• Doubles processing power compared to previous generation while reducing IC footprint by 38%
• Processes 3x more antenna channels in real-time vs current production solutions
• Achieves better performance with 89% fewer antenna channels than alternatives, reducing costs
• Targets growing autonomous driving market with 40% L2+/L3 vehicle penetration expected by 2029
• Enables enhanced AI-based perception systems for challenging environmental conditions

Negative

• None.

• S32R47 family are NXP’s highest performing radar processors, addressing the demanding requirements of Level 2+ to 4 autonomous driving
• Higher resolution sensing enables advanced use cases like detection of vulnerable road users (VRUs) and lost cargo
• More compute capability allows OEMs to develop advanced applications like navigation on autopilot while meeting the demands of tomorrow’s software-defined vehicles (SDVs) at scale
  
  

EINDHOVEN, The Netherlands, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NXP Semiconductors N.V. (NASDAQ: NXPI) today unveiled its new S32R47 imaging radar processors in 16 nm FinFET technology, building on NXP’s proven expertise in the imaging radar space. The third generation of imaging radar processors delivers up to twice the processing power versus the previous generation, alongside improved system cost and power efficiency. In combination with NXP’s mmWave radar transceivers, power management and in-vehicle networking solutions, the S32R47 family meets functional safety ASIL ISO 26262 ASIL B(D) requirements and prepares the automotive industry for new levels of autonomous driving.

According to Yole Intelligence’s Status of the Radar Industry 2024 report, by 2029, approximately 40% of vehicles entering the road will be passenger cars with driving automation Level 2+(L2+)/ Level 3 (L3) as well as an increasing number of vehicles with Level 4 (L4). To serve the fast-growing autonomous driving market for SDVs, automotive OEMs and tier 1 suppliers need to improve radar performance as it is essential for safe, advanced autonomy features such as piloted driving or fully automated parking.

“The S32R47 can efficiently process three times, or more, antenna channels in real time than today’s production solutions. It enables improved imaging radar resolution, sensitivity and dynamic range - required by demanding autonomous driving use cases - while still meeting the stringent power and system cost targets set by OEMs for volume production,” said Meindert van den Beld, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Radar & ADAS.

Imaging radar leverages richer point cloud data for more detailed modeling of the environment. This is a key enabler for AI based perception systems which allow for assisted and autonomous driving in the most challenging environmental conditions, such as complex urban scenarios.

The S32R47 integrates a high-performance multi-core radar processing system, allowing denser point cloud output and enhanced algorithms that enable next-generation ADAS systems. This results in better separability of objects, improved detection reliability and more accurate classification of objects such as vulnerable road users or lost cargo.

NXP’s 3^rd generation imaging radar solutions

• Built on know-how and the proven technology of two previous generations​, the new solution delivers up to 2x processing performance in the radar MPU in a 38% smaller IC footprint. It also includes AI/ML support for features like enhanced Direction of Arrival (DoA) processing and object classification
• NXP’s next generation imaging radar solutions enable new imaging radars with optimized bill of material and increased scalability in terms of antenna channels and processing capability
• NXP’s solution achieves comparable or better performance with up to 89% less antenna channels than alternative solutions, solving integration challenges with reduced system cost, size and power consumption
  
  

To learn more, visit S32R47 Imaging Radar Processors.

NXP’s radar portfolio

Already sampling to lead customers and targeting next-generation OEM platforms, NXP’s new S32R47 radar processing solution builds upon a comprehensive, scalable portfolio of radar sensing solutions, tailored to cover car OEMs’ ever-diversifying use cases and architectures, from corner radar to high-resolution 4D imaging radar. The S32R platform offers a common architecture for software reuse and speedy development along with a high-performance hardware security engine, OTA update support and compliance with the newest cybersecurity standards.

About NXP Semiconductors
NXP Semiconductors N.V. (NASDAQ: NXPI) is the trusted partner for innovative solutions in the automotive, industrial & IoT, mobile, and communications infrastructure markets. NXP's "Brighter Together" approach combines leading-edge technology with pioneering people to develop system solutions that make the connected world better, safer, and more secure. The company has operations in more than 30 countries and posted revenue of $12.61 billion in 2024. Find out more at www.nxp.com.

NXP and the NXP logo are trademarks of NXP B.V. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. © 2025 NXP B.V

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d29518f1-82f5-437b-9bd0-dbb01d76b303

For more information, please contact:

Americas and Europe	Greater China / Asia
Andrea Lempart	Ming Yue
Tel: +49 175 610 695 1	Tel: +86 21 2205 2690
Email: andrea.lempart@nxp.com	Email: ming.yue@nxp.com

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FAQ

What are the key features of NXP's new S32R47 imaging radar processors?

The S32R47 processors feature 2x processing power vs previous generation, 38% smaller IC footprint, process 3x more antenna channels in real-time, and meet ASIL ISO 26262 ASIL B(D) safety requirements. They enable improved imaging radar resolution, sensitivity, and dynamic range for autonomous driving applications.

How does NXPI's S32R47 reduce system costs in automotive radar applications?

The S32R47 achieves comparable or better performance with up to 89% fewer antenna channels than alternative solutions, resulting in reduced system cost, size, and power consumption while solving integration challenges.

What is the market potential for NXPI's new radar processors?

According to Yole Intelligence, by 2029, about 40% of new vehicles will feature Level 2+/Level 3 driving automation, with increasing Level 4 adoption, representing significant market potential for NXP's radar processors.

What autonomous driving features does NXP's S32R47 enable?

The S32R47 enables advanced autonomy features such as piloted driving, fully automated parking, and enhanced detection of vulnerable road users and lost cargo through improved object separation and classification capabilities.

When will NXPI's S32R47 radar processors be available?

The S32R47 radar processors are already sampling to lead customers and are targeting next-generation OEM platforms.