Valens Semiconductor says it’s developing technology to counter a hidden enemy for automakers – electro-magnetic noise that can disrupt electronic systems.
As bandwidth increases for automotive electronics, so does noise. Automakers have sought to shield devices from the noise generated by electronic devices. Valens says its systems take a different approach and cancel noise as it enters such devices.
The Hod Hasharon, Israel-based company conducted an investor day on Nov. 12. As part of a demonstration, it deployed two camera systems each taking video of a small toy cat with a waving arm. One camera system had traditional noise protection. The other had Valens technology.
As electro-magnet noise increased, the older analog system failed while the new tech system continued working. During the demonstration, noise continued to be added until the Valens system failed. However, the company estimated its noise cancellation technology was as much as 25 times more resilient than the traditional system.
Valens serves a variety of markets, including industrial machines and medical. The company’s noise cancellation system is applicable to the other markets. However, automotive is one of the most challenging.
Inside a vehicle, noise is generated by spark plugs, electric motors and cell phones, Daniel Shwartzberg, the company’s director of business development and system solutions, said during the investor day presentation. Such noises “play havoc with the system,” he said.
Outside the vehicle, electro-magnet noise comes from cell phone towers, radio transmitters and other cars and trucks, he added. And vehicles are moving as they’re driven.
“There are very few harsher environments than the automobile,” Shwartzberg said. “It is a major headache.”
Valens has been seeking auto industry interest for years. The semiconductor company found skeptics.
The reaction “started with cynicism,” Gideon Ben-Zvi, CEO of Valens, said in an interview. “’You have a solution in search of a problem.’”
That began to change as the auto industry worked on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
Such systems are “very sensitive to noise,” Ben-Zvi said. “Today, we don’t have to represent why it’s important.”
Valens has said three European automakers will incorporate its noise cancellation technology and its systems will be on road in 2026. That may expand in the future.
“Most of the big names are in discussions with us,” Ben-Zvi said.
