Rohde & Schwarz launches high-precision test darkrooms to help develop the next generation of automotive radar chips

     Automotive radar is one of the key technologies driving advancements in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) needed to power the next generation of driverless cars. At Productronica 2019, Rohde & Schwarz unveiled its latest technology for testing: a test solution for the next generation of automotive radar sensors. The test system includes the compact R&S ATS1500C automotive radar test darkroom for far-field testing, which, when combined with the R&S AREG100A automotive radar echo generator, enables accurate radar target simulation at different distances.

     Together, they constitute a unique and innovative indirect far-field test solution that reliably and repeatably validates radar sensors throughout the development and validation phases, resulting in a user-friendly and extremely compact laboratory environment. The solution enables accurate calibration and verification of Uhnder's new automotive on-chip radar (RoC) with integrated 4D digital modulation. The R&S ATS1500C features a high-precision compact field (CATR) reflector that generates a 30 cm diameter dead zone in the 77-81 GHz frequency range. Its 3D high-precision turntable can test automotive radars in all directions. A well-designed absorbent material layout eliminates false targets in the simulation.

     As an innovative startup, Uhnder has launched a unique vehicle RoC, leading the way in relevant performance and integration technologies, with a mission to redefine key technologies for safer ADAS driving. The new technology behind it delivers breakthrough performance to Uhnder's 4D digital modulated radar chip by integrating 192 virtual channels, a significant leap from the eight to 24 virtual channels used by today's standard radars.

     Although the Uhnder radar chip consumes less than 8 watts, it has a higher number of detections per frame and can track and classify targets with more than 20 TeraOPS of processing power. Uhnder RoC also pioneered High Contrast resolution (HCR) technology, which significantly improves range and angular resolution and can distinguish between small radar reflectors near large radar reflectors. This can provide a more accurate and safe response time compared to current radar chip technology and paves the way for advanced ADAS capabilities for current and future driverless cars.

     Holger Gryska, Marketing Manager Automotive Radar at Rohde & Schwarz, said: "The collaboration with Uhnder shows how test and measurement expertise and industry-leading experience can yield innovative technologies. Both companies are known to be exceptional explorers in their respective fields and are well on their way to fully autonomous driving."

     Ralf Reuter, Senior Director and Researcher of Customer and Application Engineering at Uhnder, said: "Rohde & Schwarz is our preferred partner for the development of this new technology. Our 4D digital modulation RoC has special test requirements, so the expertise, precision and flexibility of our partners are crucial to us. We are able to meet and exceed the expected performance of our products and take the next step towards a truly driverless future."