Radar Test System Ensures ADAS Reliability

National Instruments’ Vehicle Radar Test System (VRTS) outfits engineers needing to test 76-GHz to 81-GHz radar technology from the R&D lab through high-volume production test and from individual radar sensors to integrated advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

The VRTS combines the company’s mmWave front end technology, a PXI Vector Signal Transceiver (VST) and application-specific software.

 

Unlike traditional automotive radar simulators that are only capable of obstacle generation for functional behavior test, the VRTS integrates a 76 to 81 GHz vector signal generator/analyzer designed for dynamic obstacle generation and comprehensive RF characteristic measurements. Using a more comprehensive approach to radar test that includes both traditional and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test techniques, engineers can deliver autonomous driving technology that complies with evolving regulatory requirements.

 

The VRTS scales from a base configuration that can emulate two obstacles to sophisticated configurations that can emulate four independent obstacles per PXI chassis. Key VRTS attributes include the ability to simulate Doppler effect velocity of up to 250 km/hr, minimum obstacle range of 4 m, object distance resolution down to 10 cm, support for multiple angles of arrival and variable radar cross sections. The VRTS includes both object simulation capabilities and the radar measurement suite. In addition, engineers can simulate scenarios ranging from a pedestrian walking across the street to lane-change driving scenarios. To learn more, a VRTS datasheet is available. National Instruments Corp., Austin, TX. 877-388-1952