Getting ADAS from the lab to the tarmac

Such Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) are also making their way into mid-range and entry models, which requires cost effective and comprehensive testing starting from the initial design in R&D through to manufacturing. From the laboratory to the tarmac, a trusted partner like Rohde & Schwarz can ensure that the optimal test and measurement solution is selected for each challenge automotive engineers and suppliers face with respect to radar-based ADAS solutions.

Within the laboratory environment automotive research and development engineers need to understand the performance of all components that will contribute to the radar solution, and the potential impact of aging and temperature extremes over the lifetime of the vehicle. Chipset transmit performance can be assessed using a signal generator, such as the R&SSMA100B, as high-precision reference clock source with high output power for signal quality analysis. The signal analysis itself can be done with a R&S FSW signal and spectrum analyser in the frequency domain. FSW offers best-in-class sensitivity and lowest phase noise. MiMo radar systems can by analysed with up to 4 phase-coherent channels of the R&S RTP oscilloscope in combination with R&S FS-Z90 precision harmonic mixers in the time domain.

The 3D characteristics of the antenna is another critical element of the design process. Characterisation typically requires a RF shielded anechoic chamber with a high-precision, dual-axis positioner that replicates far field conditions in a compact form factor for the lab such as the R&SATS1500C. The direction of the antenna array beam can be controlled via a high-precision 3D positioner within the chamber. Thanks to its wheels, the chamber can be moved around a laboratory with ease.

The receive performance and robustness of the radar system can be investigated using a dedicated automotive radar echo generator such as the R&S AREG100A together with a radar signal generator like the R&S SMW. The echo generator creates up to four reproducible radar objects with high precision. The signal generator can impose complex reproducible interference signals for robustness tests.

Even the highest quality radar solution will deliver poor results if its radome is not optimised. The radome is considered one of the RF components and impacts accuracy of angular resolution. Small errors can affect the object detection quality which impacts the safety relevant ADAS function. Increasing safety requirements ask for control over the material characteristics during development and in production. In order to disguise unsightly radar modules, automotive manufacturers like to integrate them behind their vehicle emblem or into plastic body elements. Their irregular surfaces increase the challenge further. The use of the R&S QAR automotive radome tester allows spatially resolved high-resolution measurements of reflectivity and transmission losses of radomes or bumpers to be determined. This unique technology enables fast and reliable material analysis and ensures the required design optimisation.

After development, radar solutions need testing under real-world conditions and certification. Field testing is an essential element for finding potential faults and issues, but resolving issues can be challenging without being able to replicate the interference that caused them. Recording systems such as the R&S IQW can be used to store and replay data on different RF scenarios with a bandwidth of up to 512MHz. Together with an R&S SMW vector signal generator and the R&SPulse Sequencer option, customised interference scenarios can be created.

Certification to compliance with ETSI standards for European Radio Equipment Directive RED or US FCC regulations, as well as with ISO or Chinese GB standards for EMC or other national standards, may also be required. Rohde & Schwarz offers professional support in determining your requirements and delivering turnkey solutions that include measurement equipment and anechoic chambers. We ensure as a trusted partner that your system complies with the latest standards and regulations.

Rohde & Schwarz engineers are very experienced in installing compact systems for testing of electromagnetic immunity (EMS) of vehicle components in line with the relevant ISO standards. The systems optionally generate radar pulses of up to 600 V/m as required by some vehicle manufactures. For testing of electromagnetic compatibility these systems can be combined with the R&S AREG100A and R&S SMW echo and interference generation solution for testing robustness in operation under electromagnetic stress. 

The critical nature of radar in the context of automotive safety demands that systems are fully tested during production of vehicles. Radar modules can be tested end-of-line both for correct operation according to the manufacturer specification as well as to ensure that transmit power does not exceed ETSI EN301 091-1 or ETSI EN 302 264-1. R&S AREG100A together with an anechoic chamber allow highly reproducible and precise end-of-line testing and calibration in an automated production environment. The flexible and modular concept of the R&S AREG100A makes it possible to configure up to four different fixed distance objects with adjustable radar cross section and Doppler shift.

The high-resolution R&S QAR measures reflectivity and transmissivity in a very short time. Together with automated analysis of the measurement results this solution allows cost efficient and tight production quality control of radomes and bumpers. In addition, the solution can be used to measure the mounting accuracy of the radar in the vehicle manufacturer’s production line to make sure that the radar calibration window can be met for maximum production yield.

The used test equipment can be used throughout each stage. This is a critical factor that allows acquired knowledge to be transferred from R&D to production, while programmable control interfaces and software can be optimised for both the type of user and the use case. Furthermore, customers can also benefit from Rohde & Schwarz’s wealth of experience in high-frequency applications in the context of automotive.