4GHz vehicle radar test system delivers reliability

It is a widely used sensing technology because it’s robust and readily available.

The massive automotive industry shift towards 79GHz radar has reduced the cost of radar-based safety features like autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA).

The main advantage of 79GHz radar sensors is the 4GHz bandwidth, which significantly improves resolution and accuracy for both range and velocity. A tradeoff, however, is a larger set of test challenges, as the additional bandwidth means more data.

This requires additional processing capabilities and an increase in test scenarios as more objects are discernible.

With the simulation capabilities of the VRTS, engineers can work to improve their test to more confidently address these challenges.

“4GHz is more than just larger bandwidth and extra scenarios,” said Oliver Poos, Radar Test Engineer at Noffz Technologies. “It provides added room for error on the test, so reliability and repeatability are increasingly important to guarantee safety.”

NI’s new VRTS is capable of simulating two objects per angle with a highly repeatable radar cross section (RCS). The RCS makes the simulated obstacle appropriate for both validation and production test.

As a product in the NI platform, the VRTS continues the long-standing flexibility, scalability and cost-effectiveness of the company’s software-defined systems, helping the user create more precise test scenarios and achieve lower test setup times.

The VRTS is both cost- and space-optimised for large production deployments.