Advanced Automotive Radar Test System

Modern vehicle manufacturers are constantly striving to enhance the safety and performance of their vehicles by incorporating advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving (AD) technologies. One crucial aspect of developing these systems is the testing and validation of radar sensors, which play a vital role in enabling vehicles to perceive their surroundings accurately. To address this need, a groundbreaking collaboration between IPG Automotive and Rohde & Schwarz has resulted in a cutting-edge solution that revolutionizes radar sensor testing in the automotive industry.

By combining IPG Automotive's CarMaker simulation software with the AREG800A radar object simulator and the QAT100 advanced antenna array from Rohde & Schwarz, vehicle manufacturers now have the ability to simulate complex ADAS/AD scenarios in a controlled, safe, time-efficient, and cost-effective manner. This powerful combination offers automotive OEMs and radar sensor suppliers a comprehensive radar sensor testing platform that facilitates validation and real-time characterization of radar sensors while ensuring compliance with industry standards.

IPG Automotive's CarMaker simulation software is renowned for its versatility and effectiveness in the development and testing of vehicles across all stages of the development process. From Model-in-the-Loop (MIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) to Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Vehicle-in-the-Loop (VIL) testing, CarMaker provides a seamless integration and test platform for implementing virtual test scenarios in various application areas, including powertrain, vehicle dynamics, and ADAS functions. The software's high-resolution 3D engine enables detailed simulation of the complete sensor stack, ensuring accurate and realistic testing outcomes.

The AREG800A radar object simulator, in conjunction with the QAT100 advanced antenna array, offers a sophisticated solution for generating multiple artificial objects with independent characteristics such as range, Radar Cross Section (RCS), angle, and radial velocity. The integration of the Open Simulation Interface (ASAM OSI) with CarMaker's HIL test automation streamlines the testing process, making it invaluable for assessing realistic driving scenarios within radar HIL testing. Additionally, the system features a user-friendly Scenario Editor designed to simplify the creation of complex driving scenarios, making it accessible to a wide range of professionals.

CarMaker's advanced Test Manager empowers users to build and execute automated test sequences with ease. Whether running tests individually or simultaneously, locally or in the cloud, the Test Manager offers flexibility and scalability. Furthermore, it automates the calculation and evaluation of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and generates reports automatically, saving significant time and effort in the testing process. The Model Manager within CarMaker enhances the realism and accuracy of virtual vehicle prototypes, making simulations more effective for testing and development purposes.

Andreas Höfer, Chief Technology Officer at IPG Automotive, expressed the significance of the collaboration between Rohde & Schwarz and IPG Automotive in providing the automotive industry with a comprehensive Hardware-in-the-Loop integration test system. By bringing testing processes from the proving ground into the lab, this innovative solution results in substantial time and cost savings during the development phase, ultimately driving advancements in radar sensor testing and validation in the automotive sector.