As a vehicle safety system, automotive radar technology is growing as the digital world develops.
Automotive radar helps improve driving safety because it can detect objects around the vehicle, so it can help the driver in various situations. Are you familiar with this technology?
This article will discuss automotive radar from its definition, function, types, and their usage regulations.
What is Automotive Radar?
Automotive radar is a radio-wave-based system used in vehicles to detect other vehicles, pedestrians, animals, and other objects around them.
This technology analyzes the reflections of these waves to determine the distance, speed, and direction of objects around the vehicle by sending electromagnetic waves.
This technology is becoming a key component in driver assistance systems (ADAS – Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) that are increasingly common in modern vehicles.
Automotive radars operate at microwave frequencies, which cover a range of 24 GHz to 81 GHz, depending on the type of radar and regulations in a country.
The functions
In general, automotive radar has several main functions, including the following:
- Detecting objects around the vehicle in real-time, thus improving driving safety.
- The Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) feature, which automatically activates the brakes if there is a potential collision, can greatly minimize the risk of accidents.
- It supports driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) that automatically adjust the vehicle speed.
- Assists in parking with Park Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) features.
- Helps the driver by giving a visual or audio notification on Blind Spot Detection (BSD).
The features
The key feature of an automotive radar is detecting the distance, speed, and direction of objects around the vehicle. Here are some of the features:
- Object detection: Can measure the distance, speed, and direction of other objects in real time.
- Frequency-Modulated Continuous-Wave (FMCW): To precisely measure the distance and speed of objects.
- Frequency for various ranges: 24 GHz radar for short range. 77 GHz and 79 GHz radar for medium to long range.
- 4D imaging radar: Available in some newer models to provide high-resolution object classification.
The benefits
The functions and features of automotive radar offer many tangible benefits. Here are the main ones:
- Reliable all-weather performance: Unlike LiDAR, automotive radar is not dependent on lighting or light. It can function in all weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or fog.
- Placement flexibility: The radar has a compact design and is easy to conceal. It is typically placed behind the bumper or grille.
- Object detection accuracy: It can measure distance, speed, and provide quick reactions to various objects on the road.
- Improved awareness: It can provide good angular resolution with 4D radar, allowing for more accurate object detection.
- Helps monitor traffic flow: It can detect objects in multiple lanes, suitable for complex urban traffic.
The Types
Automotive radars can be differentiated based on frequency. Here are some types of radars that are often used in the vehicle industry:
1. Short-range radar (SRR)
This type of radar is for separations of 15-50 meters and a FOV of 80-90 degrees at a frequency of 24 GHz. The function of the radar is to detect objects at close range, which is commonly used in Blind Spot Detection (BSD) and Park Assist features.
2. Medium-range radar (MRR)
This radar type is for a range of 50-150 meters and an FOV of 50-60 degrees in the frequency range 76-81 GHz. The function of this radar is to help detect vehicles in the same lane in traffic, commonly used in adaptive cruise control (ACC) systems.
3. Long-range radar (LRR)
This type of radar has a range of 150-250 meters or more and a field of view (FOV) of 20-25 degrees at the 77 GHz frequency. The radar’s function is to monitor road and vehicle conditions over long distances, commonly used in Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Emergency Braking Assist systems.
4. High-Resolution Radar (HRR)
This type of radar has a frequency of 79 GHz. This radar has a function to detect greater details than conventional radars commonly used in autonomous vehicles for 3D mapping of the surrounding environment.
Usage Regulations
The automotive radar technology operates within a specific frequency spectrum. In each country, all Short Range Device (SRD)-based wireless devices must have a Type Approval Certificate.
Wireless regulations require all radio frequency-based devices to meet specific technical standards before they can be sold in that country. This certification ensures that the product meets safety standards and does not interfere with other communication devices.
The certification process involves technical testing, including frequency tuning, safety checks, and verification of environmental compatibility. Ultimately, this results in a Test Report confirming that the product meets technical standards and is safe for use.
For companies wishing to sell automotive radar products, Dimulti, as a Type Approval Service, can assist with this process. Our services include preparing technical and legal documents, conducting necessary testing, ensuring compliance with national regulations, and helping companies streamline the certification process. [UN]