R&S and IPG Collaborate for Comprehensive Hardware-in-the-Loop Radar Testing

Rohde & Schwarz has recently announced a groundbreaking collaboration with IPG Automotive to develop an innovative automotive radar Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) integration test system. This partnership aims to revolutionize the way radar testing is conducted in the automotive industry.

The HIL radar test system is a sophisticated combination of IPG Automotive's CarMaker simulation software, the R&S AREG800A radar object simulator, and the R&S QAT100 advanced antenna array. This cutting-edge system empowers vehicle manufacturers to simulate complex scenarios for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving, aligning with standards such as Euro NCAP.

One of the key advantages of this system is its ability to facilitate real-time, closed-loop characterization of radar sensors, enabling compliance with ASAM open standards. This means that manufacturers can validate their radar systems more efficiently and effectively, ultimately enhancing the safety and performance of vehicles on the road.

IPG Automotive's CarMaker simulation solution is specifically tailored for the development and comprehensive testing of cars and light commercial vehicles across all stages of development. This versatile platform allows stakeholders in the automotive industry to create virtual test scenarios related to powertrain, vehicle dynamics, and ADAS/AD functions.

The high-resolution 3D engine integrated into CarMaker ensures detailed simulation of the complete sensor stack. When combined with the capabilities of the R&S AREG800A and R&S QAT100, the system can generate multiple artificial objects with varying characteristics, such as range, Radar Cross Section (RCS), angle, and radial velocity.

The collaboration between Rohde & Schwarz and IPG Automotive has resulted in the development of a reference design for the first 28nm short-range automotive radar. This design leverages the Open Simulation Interface (ASAM OSI) to establish a seamless connection between the R&S AREG800A and the CarMaker HIL test automation, enhancing the realism of driving scenario assessments within radar HIL testing.

Furthermore, the HIL chain includes a Scenario Editor that caters to non-simulation experts, simplifying the testing of manoeuvre-based driving scenarios and complex traffic configurations. This feature expands the accessibility of radar testing to a broader range of professionals, streamlining the development process.

CarMaker's advanced Test Manager offers the capability to build and execute automated test sequences, providing flexibility in running tests locally or in the cloud. The automation of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) calculation and report generation saves significant time and effort, enhancing the efficiency of testing procedures.

The Model Manager CarMaker plays a crucial role in defining the configuration of virtual vehicle prototypes, enhancing the accuracy and realism of simulations. This feature contributes to the overall effectiveness of testing and development processes, ensuring that vehicles meet the highest standards of safety and performance.

Andreas Höfer, Chief Technology Officer at IPG Automotive, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, emphasizing the potential of the Hardware-in-the-Loop integration test solution to revolutionize radar testing in the automotive industry. With this innovative system, tests can be seamlessly transitioned from the proving ground to the lab, resulting in significant time and cost savings during the development process.

For more information about this groundbreaking collaboration and the advanced radar testing solutions offered by Rohde & Schwarz and IPG Automotive, visit www.rohde-schwarz.com.