White Paper: Test & Measurement
Analyzing Automotive Radar Signals with an Oscilloscope
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Driverless cars are virtually unique in symbolizing the power of future technologies and digitalization to alter our everyday lives. Connected, automated driving holds the promise of significantly higher road safety and convenience. However, trusting an autonomous vehicle is a big step for many people.
Together with other sensors such as LiDAR, cameras and ultrasound, radars play a key role in current and future advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Automotive radars act as eyes for the vehicles. They are already being manufactured in the millions, and in top-end vehicles they are standard equipment. Radars are not bothered by fog or snow.
By measuring attitude, separation and velocity, they can foresee critical situations and avoid accidents.
The number of radar sensors per vehicle rises with each level of automation. Highly automated driving naturally places high demands on the technology. The latest systems operate in the microwave region to determine the range, velocity and relative angle of detected objects and perceive even minute movements. The only thing better than bandwidth is more bandwidth: The next generation of automotive radar sensors will use 4 GHz signal bandwidth.
Every radar component and its integration into the vehicle must be rigorously tested to ensure reliable operation. This eGuide describes how to measure and calibrate radar sensors using an R&S®RTP oscilloscope.
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Overview
The white paper discusses the critical role of automotive radar sensors in enhancing vehicle safety and enabling advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving. It highlights how these sensors measure attitude, separation, and velocity to predict and avoid potential accidents. As the level of vehicle automation increases, the demand for sophisticated radar technology also rises. The latest radar systems operate in the microwave region, allowing them to accurately determine the range, velocity, and relative angle of detected objects, even capturing minute movements.
The paper emphasizes the importance of rigorous testing and calibration of radar components to ensure their reliable operation in vehicles. It introduces the R&S®RTP oscilloscope as a tool for measuring and calibrating these radar sensors, providing insights into the technical processes involved.
Furthermore, the document addresses the future of autonomous driving, noting that while advancements are being made, the transition to fully autonomous vehicles will not occur as rapidly as some may expect. It points out the lack of a reliable legal framework, with certain functions permitted in the USA but not yet in Europe, alongside various technical challenges that still need to be addressed.
Overall, the white paper serves as a comprehensive guide for understanding automotive radar technology, its applications in safety and automation, and the ongoing developments and challenges in the field. It underscores the necessity for continued innovation and regulatory alignment to facilitate the safe integration of autonomous driving technologies into everyday transportation.