Socionext is at the forefront of automotive interior sensing technology, known for their cutting-edge radar sensors and advanced signal processing solutions. This year, they introduce the revolutionary 60 GHz Radar Sensor, SC1260, which sets new benchmarks in vehicle safety. The SC1260 is designed to enhance in-cabin experiences, offering critical features such as child presence detection and seat occupancy monitoring, all while being highly efficient with minimal power consumption.
At InCabin, Socionext presents a dynamic cockpit demonstrator, showcasing the SC1260’s ability to detect vital signs like breathing, ensuring a safer and smarter automotive environment.
Watch the video below to find out more:
Q&A with Socionext
What exciting innovations is Socionext bringing to the table this year?
We’re thrilled to showcase our latest innovation—the 60 GHz Radar Sensor, SC1260. At InCabin, we’ll present a cockpit demonstrator that highlights the groundbreaking capabilities of this chip, setting new standards for automotive interior safety.
What makes the SC1260 radar sensor stand out from existing solutions?
The SC1260 is more than just a radar sensor – it’s a highly advanced solution with integrated antennas in a compact 6×9 mm package. It includes two transmitter and four receiver antennas, simplifying vehicle integration. The chip also features advanced signal processing that outputs point cloud data directly, reducing BOM costs by enabling the use of smaller CPUs and memory. With an average power consumption of just 0.7 milliwatts, it’s incredibly efficient.
Signal processing is a critical component. Can you explain the advantages of the SC1260’s signal processing capabilities?
Absolutely. The SC1260 features integrated blocks for advanced signal processing, including range FFT and a CFAR engine for filtering. It measures distance and angle, clusters data, and outputs point cloud data in XYZ coordinates. All of this is built into the hardware, eliminating the need for an external CPU or firmware, which makes it a highly efficient solution.
What are the primary use cases for this radar sensor in automotive applications?
The SC1260 is designed for a variety of automotive interior sensing applications. One key use case is child presence detection, where the radar sensor can detect vital signs like breathing or heartbeat, even through materials like blankets. It’s also highly effective for seat occupancy detection, accurately identifying multiple passengers. Additionally, it’s perfect for security monitoring, such as intrusion detection or proximity alerts.
Are there any other potential applications for the SC1260 that you’d like to highlight?
Definitely. The SC1260 can be used in kick-sensors for tailgate operations, distinguishing between gestures like kicks or swipes. It’s also ideal for gesture control in HMI applications, allowing drivers to control functions with simple hand movements, reducing the need for physical buttons and enhancing the user experience.
You mentioned presenting a cockpit demonstrator at the show. What does the demonstrator consist of?
Our cockpit demonstrator immerses attendees in a real-world automotive experience. It features a replica of a classic car interior with both front and rear seats. Inside, we’ve installed our state-of-the-art radar sensor, connected to a front panel display that visualizes live radar data. It’s a dynamic way to showcase the future of in-cabin sensing.
Will the cockpit show how passengers can be seen in the car as well as other critical information?
Exactly! The radar sensor does more than just detect seat occupancy—it can identify passengers in real time and even detect vital signs like breathing. It’s designed to elevate vehicle safety and comfort, demonstrating how advanced radar technology can monitor passengers with precision and reliability.
Will attendees be able to experience the cockpit demonstrator and test it firsthand?
Absolutely! We invite everyone to sit in the cockpit and experience the technology firsthand. It’s an interactive demonstration where you can see the radar sensor in action. We’re excited to guide attendees through the possibilities and discuss how this technology can transform the future of automotive interiors.
How can our readers learn more?
You can visit our stand and explore our exciting products firsthand. Our experts will be on-site to answer any questions.
For those interested in learning more, Socionext encourages visits to their exhibition stand and engagement on their social media platforms:
