At the forefront of semiconductor innovation in the automotive sector stands Calterah, a trailblazer in radar and ultra-wideband (UWB) technology. This article delves deep into Calterah's latest achievements, as revealed at the recent Calterah Day 2025, showcasing their advancements in imaging radar, ADAS radar, and a revolutionary UWB System-on-Chip (SoC) series named Dubhe, designed to transform automotive safety and connectivity.

Advancements in mmWave Radar Technology

Calterah continues to push the boundaries in mmWave radar technology, specifically across three key areas: imaging radar, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) radar, and emerging short-range radar applications. One of their standout developments is the Andes Premium 8T8R solution for imaging radar, enabled by dual cascading Andes RoPTM chips. This setup not only enhances range detection but also ensures reliable weak target detection, capable of measuring up to 350 meters with exceptional accuracy.

In the realm of ADAS radar, Calterah's Alps-Pro RoPTM SoC marks a significant leap forward. This solution doubles the pedestrian detection range, improving point cloud data processing performance, thus advancing the safety features essential for autonomous driving.

Breakthrough UWB Technologies with Dubhe

Calterah's newly launched Dubhe series stands as a milestone in UWB technology. The Dubhe series is notable for being the world's first IEEE 802.15.4ab-compliant UWB SoC series with 2T4R radar capabilities. This innovation addresses critical challenges in digital key solutions and enhances car security systems through superior ranging and penetration abilities.

Operating under the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)-Assisted Multi-Millisecond (MMS) mode, Dubhe allows extended ranging distance of over 400 meters, vital for features like long-range car finding. Its capability to penetrate multiple vehicles in complex settings ensures robust non-line-of-sight (NLoS) positioning, a significant requirement in crowded urban environments.

Power Efficiency and Multi-Functional Applications

In addition to enhanced range and connectivity capabilities, the Dubhe series is engineered for power efficiency, thanks to its 22 nm process technology. The transmitting power is reduced by 32%, and receiving power by 56%, which is crucial for applications demanding prolonged standby times, such as smart vehicle operations during parking or in-car monitoring.

Dubhe’s multi-functionality extends to various applications including kick sensing and in-cabin presence detection. These versatile capabilities are a testament to the chip’s adaptability and its potential to redefine consumer-grade applications beyond conventional automotive uses.

Implications for Smart and Connected Vehicles

The suite of innovations presented by Calterah not only addresses current mobility challenges but also paves the way for future technological trends in the automotive industry. By bridging the gap between mmWave sensing and UWB connectivity, Calterah's innovations enable cars to become more intelligent and intuitive, enhancing driving safety and user experience.

For more on Calterah’s groundbreaking initiatives, you can explore their detailed press release here.

Through these advancements, Calterah illustrates not only a commitment to safety innovation but also a vision for a future where vehicles interact seamlessly with their surroundings – a step towards making cities smarter and transportation safer and more efficient. As they continue this trajectory, it will be fascinating to see how these technologies evolve and influence the automotive landscape globally.