The fast lane to higher levels of autonomy with the EyeQ™6 SoC

The new Mobileye EyeQ™6 System-on-Chip (SoC) does more than just raise the bar on performance—it provides automakers with the foundational architecture to better customize their ADAS and autonomous technology while meeting the needs of the growing consumer AV market, from the tech-savvy premium brand enthusiasts to drivers of everyday cars. 

In this blog, we’ll delve into what those new additions are, and how the EyeQ™6 tech stack has been designed for automakers seeking to move seamlessly across the ADAS and AV spectrum. 

An overview of the EyeQ™6 

The EyeQ™6 SoC family is the core of Mobileye’s latest tech suit, powering the full spectrum of ADAS needs—from single front cameras to advanced multi-sensor systems.  

The family features the EyeQ™6 Light, a lower-powered chip that's supports an expanded range of entry-level ADAS. The EyeQ™6H, advances on this and powers premium ADAS, semi and autonomous driving capabilities (such as Mobileye SuperVision™ and Mobileye Chauffeur™/Mobileye Drive™). Through this unique system, automakers can take a modular approach and customize functions according to their customer base.  

A glimpse into the tech stack  

The true strength of the SoC architecture lies in its unique hardware & software design. With multiple processors, accelerators, and a compound AI approach, the chip operates with remarkable efficiency. This is driven by the unique AI model named XNN, which allows the system to handle more tasks, both strenuous and simple—simultaneously. 

The result is better workload distribution, enhanced deep learning, and optimized data flow, leading to improved performance. In fact, the system delivers a 10x boost in deep learning and a 1.1x to 1.9x increase in CPU performance compared to two previous generation SoCs. 

 

Forward-thinking design, expansive product line 

The EyeQ™6 family of SoCs is designed to support automakers' wide range of products across different vehicle trims, from everyday standard-range vehicles to premium models. More importantly, automakers could potentially be able to move towards higher levels of autonomy or functionality while maintaining core safety ADAS without the need for re-homologation and validation processes. This creates a pathway for manufacturers or providers to build on existing infrastructure to achieve greater levels of autonomy, ensure long-term viability, and benefit from cost-effectiveness. 

Expand your base ADAS with the EyeQ™6L  

Designed as a cost-effective mass-market ADAS solution, the EyeQ6L features an optimized architecture tailored for front camera sensors, with radar support if needed. Certain additions can be implemented separately by automakers, allowing for a balanced approach to cost and performance. 

Using the same SoC but leveling up slightly, OEMs can integrate features like Occupant Monitoring Systems (OMS) and Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) that are compliant with global standards. Additionally, when it comes to cameras, there’s flexibility—OEMs can choose, for example, between a cost-effective 2-megapixel camera or an 8-megapixel option for high-level driving functions, which offer color-enhanced detection for lanes, signs, road markings, construction, and traffic lights. 

In short, automakers can make adjustments within the basic ADAS range and upgrade to more advanced functions through the capabilities built into the same SoC.   

 

Go from driver 'assist' to 'driverless'  

Moving up the autonomous spectrum we have the EyeQ6H SoC. This is a major leap on two fronts: a seamless path to full autonomy, and a design that enables greater synergy between added functionalities. It’s a design that consolidates safety-critical functions and additional ECUs—like parking applications and visualization—into a single system-on-chip, essentially producing a centralized interconnected system. 

This gives automakers a wide range of choices in the components they wish to add, as they gravitate toward designs that offer more flexibility, centralization, faster time to market, and new revenue streams. It’s the EyeQ6H that forms the foundation of this shift. 

When it comes to autonomy, this setup is what takes the industry further, to a more software defined focus. Automakers build on core ADAS safety features while transitioning to more advanced driver assistance. They can start with Mobileye Surround ADAS, powered by a single EyeQ™ 6H, move up to Mobileye SuperVision™ with two EyeQ™ 6H SoCs—enabling point-to-point hands-free driving on most roads—and scale to Mobileye Chauffeur™ or Mobileye Drive™, unlocking hands-off, eyes-off driving for consumer or commercial offerings respectively. A fully scalable path to autonomy, built to evolve. 

 

OTA and extended lifecycle performance 

A key aspect of the EyeQ6 is its long-term viability, achieved through its intelligent design. However, it’s the over-the-air (OTA) capability that takes performance to the next level. OTA updates are essential for modern vehicles, especially with the rise of software-defined vehicles. These updates allow vehicle software to continuously improve and keep systems up to date; all delivered remotely for seamless enhancements without manual intervention. 

Mobileye integrates this into the system, ensuring the vehicle remains adaptable and ready for future demands without requiring hardware upgrades. 

Accelerating autonomy, preserving comfort 

As we move closer to a new era of mobility, and as vehicles become increasingly software-defined, it is critical that the technology supporting this shift are scalable, flexible, high performing and enhance capabilities.  

At Mobileye, we aim to bring a custom-built SoC to support automakers’ software and hardware needs because we understand the importance of flexibility and scalability. Ensuring this at an architectural level is fundamental for automakers who wish to grow their market wider and do so faster.  

With the 6th generation SoC, Mobileye can cater to a wide range of automakers and their customers, creating solutions that make it possible for everyone to enjoy a new kind of driving, and embrace all shades of autonomy.