New solutions from Rohde & Schwarz for automotive radar echo generation and radome measurements at EuMW 2017

Rohde & Schwarz is developing a new range of solutions for automotive radar testing based on its expertise in microwave and millimeterwave testing. The soon-to-be-available innovative solutions range from analyzing radomes to generating multidimensional automotive radar echo environments. Visitors to European Microwave Week 2017 in Nuremberg, Germany, can learn about tomorrow’s automotive radar test solutions for R&D, validation, certification and production at the company’s dedicated technology exhibition area.

With the advent of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), vehicles are increasingly being equipped with radar sensors that support drivers in critical situations. To meet the industry’s testing needs, Rohde & Schwarz is developing a range of new radar test solutions. These are being presented to the public for the very first time at EuMW 2017.

Echo generator for end-of-line production testing of automotive radar sensors

Rohde & Schwarz offers visitors a product preview of the new R&S AREG100A automotive radar echo generator for reliable testing of radar sensors in production. The R&S AREG100A supports all automotive radar bands (24 GHz, 76 GHz and 79 GHz). Up to three customer-definable fixed radar distances plus an optional Doppler offset for simulation of radial velocity make it a powerful solution for production testing.

Together with the R&S ATS1000 shielded chamber and the R&S QuickStep test execution software, it ensures fail-safe testing of automotive radar sensors. With this setup, end-of-line testing becomes a standardized, conclusive process to ensure continuous quality control of radar sensors.

Thanks to its small footprint and low weight, the R&S AREG100A can be easily integrated into existing test racks for final inspection of the integrated radar sensor at the OEM’s manufacturing sites.

Quality automotive radome scanner

Rohde & Schwarz has developed the R&S QAR specifically to characterize the performance of automotive radar covers such as emblem radomes and car bumpers. The test solution uses an innovative imaging technique that allows very fast measurement of the reflectivity of the DUT. Car manufacturers can now precisely localize and identify any material errors or inhomogeneous material that might impact the sensor’s performance. A complete frequency sweep from 75 GHz to 82 GHz is used to measure material attenuation in the 77 GHz and 79 GHz automotive radar ranges. With both sets of measurements, the R&S QAR offers the comprehensive and detailed analysis required for future radar generations. The R&S QAR is scheduled to be available in the first quarter of 2018.

Fast automotive radar testing

Rohde & Schwarz will also demonstrate a breakthrough technology in testing and evaluating radar. The new measurement system allows precise angle simulation. This and other features can be seen in a live demonstration.