BlueBox 3.0 – Third Generation Development Platform for Safe Automotive High-Performance Computing

BlueBox 3.0, a new and expanded Automotive High-Performance Compute (AHPC) development platform from NXP Semiconductors allows the developers to accelerate the system development cycle and speed time to market. It can be used to address user-defined vehicles, safety Level 2+ (L2+) automated driving, and the evolving vehicle architectures that will revolutionize connected vehicles.

The BlueBox 3.0 combines the centralized compute module, safely integrated high-performance NXP processors, expanded I/O connectivity, and extensions with Kalray’s MPPA processor-based PCIe cards enabling heterogeneous acceleration. The device also delivers a rich development foundation to help designers address differentiation, safe L2+ volume production, and the associated vehicle networking architectures.

BlueBox 3.0 has been designed with NXP’s 16-core Layerscape LX3160 processor for doubling the processing performance. When the increased performance is combined with the expanded I/O interfaces the device can significantly enhance the intelligence and connectivity targeted for new vehicle architectures.

The processing can accommodate radar, vision, and LiDAR signal paths for advanced sensor fusion applications and provides expansion options for AI and ML acceleration with the Kalray Coolidge MPPA (Massively Parallel Processor Array) processors that can be targeted for perception, prediction, pathfinding capabilities, and emerging connected services. The NXP S32G processor integrated with the BlueBox 3.0 provides secure vehicle networking and reliable safety processing and checking for system-level ASIL D conformance. The collaboration of NXP and Kalray provides a 3.0 Software Development Environment (SDE) and enables a common hardware and software platform for safe, reliable, and scalable AHPC solutions.

Features of BlueBox 3.0 Development Platform

• High-performance LX2160A automotive processor with up to 16 Arm® Cortex®-A72 cores
• S32274 gateway processor with ASIL D Functional Safety
• Supports Kalray MPPA for Math and Neural Network acceleration with SW integration
• SJA1110 automotive Ethernet switch with TSN supportTrue automotive embedded platform featuring end-to-end automotive-grade system-on-chip ICs
• System-level safety implementation with the device-level safety collaterals

Note: More technical information can be found in the BlueBox 3.0 Factsheet linked at the bottom of this page and on the product page of the BlueBox 3.0 Development Platform.