SOLiDVUE's Award-Winning SL-2.2 LiDAR Sensor: A Game Changer for Technology

In a significant achievement for the field of autonomous systems, SOLiDVUE has recently announced its innovative single-chip LiDAR sensor IC, the SL-2.2, recognized with a CES Innovation Award at the CES 2025. This cutting-edge LiDAR sensor boasts a world-first resolution of 400x128, setting a benchmark for performance in the industry.

Established in 2020, SOLiDVUE stands out as South Korea’s exclusive enterprise specializing in the development of CMOS LiDAR sensor ICs. LiDAR technology, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, serves as a crucial component for a variety of applications including autonomous vehicles and robotics, allowing for precise measurements of shapes and distances of surrounding objects. These capabilities enable the generation of high-fidelity 3D visualizations, which can be harnessed for applications ranging from drones to traffic management systems.

Prior to the SL-2.2, LiDAR technology was largely dominated by mechanical systems. However, Jung-Hoon Chun, co-CEO of SOLiDVUE, noted a shift towards semiconductor-based solutions, stating, "While mechanical LiDAR has been the standard, the latest trend is to replace it with semiconductor chips." This technological evolution is particularly evident in SOLiDVUE's ability to create solid-state LiDAR systems that are significantly smaller and more cost-effective compared to traditional mechanical counterparts, measuring 10 times smaller and 100 times cheaper.

SOLiDVUE’s co-CEO, Jaehyuk Choi, proudly claims, "Our sensors are not only ultra-compact but also outperform competitors in terms of performance." The company has invested heavily in proprietary technologies that lend it a competitive edge, including the revolutionary CMOS SPAD (Single Photon Avalanche Diode) technology. This technology amplifies measurement accuracy by detecting individual photons, a feature that only a handful of companies worldwide, including SOLiDVUE, can offer at the single-chip level.

The recent accolades at esteemed events like the IEEE ISSCC reflect the recognition of SOLiDVUE's technological prowess, representing a significant triumph for a fabless company from Korea. The SL-2.2 pushes the envelope further by delivering high-resolution outputs and maintaining accuracy in object detection. With a capacity to identify objects up to 200 meters away with an outstanding accuracy rate of 99.9%, the SL-2.2 positions itself as a robust solution for various sectors.

Designed using standard CMOS semiconductor processes, this single-chip sensor measures merely 0.9cm x 0.9cm and is housed in a compact BGA-type package of 1.4cm x 1.4cm. The miniaturized design not only facilitates effortless integration into numerous LiDAR systems but also contributes to reduced power consumption, enhancing energy efficiency and reliability. As a successor to the earlier SV-110, which featured a 200x116 resolution, the SL-2.2 is poised to support advancements in critical fields such as smart cities, autonomous transportation, and drone technology when it is officially released in 2025.

To further solidify its role as an industry leader, SOLiDVUE is actively collaborating with multiple domestic and international partners, aiming to expand its product offerings to meet the surging demand for LiDAR technology. Co-CEO Choi is enthusiastic about the prospects, stating, "Our mission is to lead the LiDAR industry by delivering innovative solutions that address the evolving challenges of tomorrow." This dedication to innovation and quality is likely to enhance SOLiDVUE's stature within the rapidly evolving technology landscape and beyond.