16 June 2014 – AptCore successfully demonstrated a radar based security system using its ACR1 processor architecture implemented on an FPGA. The system utilises a 24GHz Radar front end, together with an ARM processor and AptCore ACR102 core implemented on a Xilinx Zynq 7020 device.
The radar system was able to accurately determine range, direction, velocity and object type for multiple objects in a 100m radius. The system used for testing was powered by batteries, but the power consumption is low enough to be powered by a small solar panel, which means that when combined with the on-board 3G communication capability, it lends itself well to providing autonomous security for areas where it is difficult to provide mains power and wired communication.
‘This provides a really good demonstration of our ACR1 radar processor architecture’ said Tim Styles, Director of Technology, ‘It shows the core design is so efficient it can provide enough processing performance even at a low clock rate. This enables us to achieve the level of power efficiency needed for completely wire free operation in the field.’
The demonstration proves the value of the ACR1 core architecture for this type of application, but AptCore also intends to license the entire design of the radar security unit to manufacturing partners.
