ADAS systems - the role of storage within

We are in an era of technological advancements at a pace like never before. Advancements that are changing every aspect of our lives. 

Without doubt, modern vehicles and the automotive industry see constant strides. The integration of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) stands as one of those pivotal milestones in the industry. They're sophisticated systems that represent much more than just a mix of sensors and algorithms; they pave the way to ultimately a more safe, efficient, and smarter way to transport. 

What is an ADAS system?

The ADAS system of today typically consists of a mixture of sensors, processors, and actuators working together. At its core, the system relies on the following sensors:

• Radar Sensors
• LiDAR Sensors
• Ultrasonic Sensors
• Cameras

Their mission is to detect potential hazards such as people, vehicles, lane markings and other objects. These provide critical input to the system. To which data is collected and processed by onboard compute with sophisticated algorithms to help make decisions regarding driver assistance and/or even intervention. 

What is ADAS Data Logging?

Beyond the real-time monitoring and decision-making, comes ADAS data logging - which serves critical functions in post-analysis, system optimisation, and compliance reporting. But before we discuss this - what is data logging?

Quite simply put: it's a process of recording and storing data over a period of time. This data is then logged and used for analysis or any future reference.

Now back to those critical functions within ADAS:

Post Analysis: Engineers require such analysis to improve ADAS functionality. From certain patterns to anomalies, this type of post analysis data logging helps examine performance, driver behaviour, and other elements. 

System Optimisation: With data logging, systems can be tuned and bettered for enhanced performance, efficiency, and accuracy. From sensor calibration to improvements to the algorithms, data logging plays that role.

Compliance: Systems and manufacturers have to adhere to safety standards and regulations - as well as emissions. The use of ADAS and data logging evidently can help. Reporting on accidents, incidents, and performance plays a huge role in compliance of modern vehicles today. 

The challenges for storage

Serious amounts of data

Going back to the system itself, the sensors within ADAS generate huge data - be that through the LiDAR, Radar or other sensors. Managing and storing data within real-time requires higher data rates and even larger storage capacities than the norm. 

Cameras within the system require speeds of up to 3,500 MB/s.

Environmental hurdles

From an internal perspective, ADAS systems are up against some challenges. 

Internally, we are talking vibrations and shocks. For example, vehicles operating in rougher terrains will experience this, so the components needed to be rugged and ready for it - and be able to have higher shock tolerance compared to consumer-grade components. The same for thermal and temperature, with constant flip-flops between extreme temperature ranges.

Weather conditions also play a role in posing challenges. Rain, snow, fog… all can affect sensor and system performance.

Power and thermal

The integration of ADAS into today's vehicles poses serious power and thermal challenges.

From a power perspective, the hardware of a system requires high power-draw. According to our industrial and enterprise partner Exascend - the CPU is up to 350 W per installation, the server CPU 285 W, and the appropriate SSD at 15-20 W active power consumption.

High temperatures from compact ADAS systems with the power-draw means thermal management is becoming critical.

What are the requirements of storage for ADAS?

What's clear is every car is essentially becoming a mobile data centre. The local storage on the car must meet the challenges above and here's the requirements of an SSD for a car and ADAS systems today:

High capacity

The ADAS system sensors and cameras can generate TB's of data per day. Having a system with sufficient storage is vital - so the more the better. There are various high capacities available but one imagines the drives that can reach 30TB and now 60TB will be advantageous. 

Low Power

Much like data centres, lower power consumption is necessity. Prioritising thermal efficiency and effective heat dissipation is crucial for optimal performance in ADAS and edge use. NVMe drives are more power-efficient and eco-friendly than the likes of SATA drives, so their use in ADAS is much more wise.

High Bandwidth

Real-time data processing… multisensory fusion… it's no doubt the SSD in question needs strong performance and speeds. Higher bandwidth SSDs can quickly access and transfer data, enabling faster analysis and response. As well, they help with expediting the process of downloading and installing firmware updates, the overall data logging process for analytics, and future proofing for growing demands.

Thermal

ADAS systems pose challenging automotive conditions. It's likely the SSD in question will need to withstand extreme temperatures from -40°C to 105°C. Using an SSD that has the spec and build to deal with these extremes is advisable. Mix this with the lower power spec and you'll have not only a reliable SSD, but sustainable high performance.

Ultimately, selecting the right SSD for ADAS systems involves evaluating and balancing these trade-offs based on the specific requirements, operating conditions, and priorities of the system in question. Not all ADAS systems are the same. 

This is where Simms can help, as memory and storage experts with more than 30 years experience. Alongside our industrial vendors who produce ADAS ready SSDs, we are able to offer direct technical support, samples and diverse options. 

Contact our team today to enquire about our ADAS storage solutions.