Rohde & Schwarz Revolutionizes Radar Testing with Shortest Distance Simulation for FMCW Radars

The Rohde & Schwarz RTS is not limited to just simple or complex situations, but can handle everything in between

EuMW 2023: Rohde & Schwarz, a global leader in test and measurement solutions, has unveiled groundbreaking enhancements to their radar test system, providing automotive manufacturers and developers with a cutting-edge tool for testing radar-based Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and radar sensors used in autonomous vehicles. The company’s innovative technology allows for the simulation of incredibly short distances, facilitating realistic testing of autonomous braking systems.

The heart of this advanced system comprises the R&S AREG800A automotive radar echo generator as the backend and the R&S QAT100 antenna array at the frontend. This versatile solution can be employed in various testing scenarios, including benchtop development, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), Vehicle-in-the-Loop (VIL), and even production environments. With new options for the R&S AREG800A, this system now stands as the most flexible and scalable offering in the market.

One notable upgrade is the extension of the instantaneous bandwidth from 4 GHz to 5 GHz when using the mmW remote frontends R&S AREG8-81S/D. This enhancement significantly improves distance resolution, making it possible to simulate highly accurate moving objects. Moreover, a groundbreaking feature allows users to reduce the minimum distance of artificial objects to the airgap value of the radar under test, providing unparalleled precision in radar testing.

Rohde & Schwarz have also introduced the option of “R&S QAT-B1 ENHANCED FLATNESS” for the R&S QAT100 antenna array. This option enhances the accuracy of amplitude flatness for all antennas when used in conjunction with the R&S AREG800A, further ensuring the reliability of radar testing.

One of the most significant advantages of this radar test system is its ability to replicate real-world driving scenarios in a controlled laboratory environment. This transition from real-world testing to lab-based testing not only accelerates development but also results in substantial cost savings. By detecting errors at an earlier stage, automotive manufacturers can fine-tune their ADAS and radar systems more efficiently, ultimately leading to safer and more reliable autonomous vehicles.

Rohde & Schwarz‘s expertise extends beyond radar testing, as they provide comprehensive solutions for the entire automotive lifecycle, from pre-development to production. With their innovative test solutions, the company supports the development of next-generation ADAS and autonomous driving systems, ensuring robust connectivity and compliance with wireless communication standards. Furthermore, Rohde & Schwarz offer equipment and turnkey test systems for conducting electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) measurements on vehicles and components, thus ensuring that automotive systems function seamlessly and meet industry standards.

In a rapidly evolving automotive landscape, Rohde & Schwarz stands as a reliable partner for automotive OEMs, tier 1 suppliers, chip manufacturers, and engineering service providers, delivering cutting-edge solutions that drive innovation and safety in the world of autonomous vehicles.