White Paper: Electronics & Computers
Automotive Radar Technology, Market and Test Requirements
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Automobiles are increasingly being equipped with radar sensors that support drivers in critical situations, helping to reduce the number of accidents. Radar makes it possible to quickly and precisely measure the radial velocity, range, azimuth angle and elevation angle of multiple objects. That is why the automobile industry is widely using this technology in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Next to the selection of the radar waveform, test and measurement accuracy is critical in the development and launch of a new radar system. New radar designs need to ensure that all hardware and software components work in the desired manner under all considered conditions.
This creates specific measurement needs and tasks for the measurement equipment. A technical understanding of waveform design is fundamental. To reduce design uncertainty, test solutions are required that deliver the performance, precision, and insight to solve these advanced design challenges.
This white paper explains the basics of automotive radar, MIMO radar signal processing, applications, and market trends. Test and measurement requirements for research and development, mandatory ETSI tests, and production verification of automotive radar sensors in the 24 GHz, 77 GHz, and 79 GHz domains are described.
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Overview
The white paper by Dr. Steffen Heuel focuses on automotive radar technology, highlighting its evolution, market trends, and testing requirements. Since the inception of automotive radar trials in 1978, the technology has advanced significantly from external pulsed radars to fully integrated systems that are now concealed behind design elements like bumpers and mirrors. This evolution reflects the growing importance of radar sensors in enhancing vehicle safety and driver assistance, ultimately aiming to reduce accidents.
The paper discusses the critical role of radar resolution, which is determined by the signal bandwidth. Higher bandwidth allows for finer range resolution, enabling better classification of objects. For instance, while side mirrors may not be distinguishable at a 500 MHz resolution, they become visible at 2 GHz and clearly defined at 7 GHz. This aspect is crucial for applications requiring high precision in object detection and classification.
Testing requirements for automotive radars are outlined in accordance with various standards, such as ETSI EN 303 396 and EN 301 091, which specify different tests for different frequency bands (e.g., 76 GHz to 77 GHz). The paper emphasizes that while the tests are consistent across bands, the limits may vary. Additionally, it addresses specific measurements like spectrum access duty cycle, which is relevant only for certain radars in the 24 GHz domain, and the dwell time and repetition time for 24 GHz radars in categories C and D.
Overall, the white paper serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the current landscape of automotive radar technology, its market implications, and the rigorous testing standards that ensure safety and performance in modern vehicles.