Optimal lidar performance that enables vehicle safety requires consistent temperature control, even in the face of extreme automotive environmental conditions. Leveraging proprietary thermoelectric technology and a scalable device architecture, Phononic says it is uniquely positioned to reliably deliver high-performance cooling that meets demanding automotive OEM standards.
Millions of the company’s thermoelectric devices already help to keep a wide range of optical, telecom, and fiber-optic communications equipment at a safe operating temperature: “Phononic is uniquely positioned to support lidar’s demanding performance, reliability, and manufacturing specifications needed to realize the next evolution in vehicle safety,” said Jason Ruppert, device solutions GM at Phononic. “This strategic supply agreement enables Phononic and Luminar to redefine best practices and create an unparalleled solution for next-generation vehicle safety.”
Luminar’s lidar systems are already designed-in to multiple OEM passenger vehicles, unlocking next-generation automotive safety. Using a combination of high-performance laser emitters and receivers, lidar determines the distance and type of objects ahead of a vehicle giving the driver more time to react to dangerous situations.
“Strategic supply agreements have long been used in the automotive industry given its unique, complicated, global supply chain and manufacturing footprint,” said Marco Bracalente, VP of product development at Luminar. “This agreement enables Phononic and Luminar to ensure the level of supply chain continuity and manufacturing availability expected by today’s major automotive customers.”