Rohde & Schwarz has unveiled a new radar target simulator, Radar Essential Tester (RadEsT), for testing ADAS and autonomous driving functions.
The new tester addresses a wide spectrum of use cases, from system checks and debugging of radar module reference designs to software verification and functional tests on the radar module. It is ideal for OEM end-of-line testing, providing advanced testing capabilities for radar alignment and calibration as well as functional checks during production.
R&S RadEsT captures radar sensor signals, modifies them and returns them as simulated radar targets. The dynamic target simulation allows for quick adaptation to simulate moving targets, which is important for qualifying autonomous functions like automatic emergency braking (AEB) and adaptive cruise control (ACC). The simulated target can be dynamicallyconfigured on the fly in terms of a distance, velocity/Doppler and attenuation/RCS.
The radar target simulator can simulate targets from any angular direction, thanks to 12 receive and 12 transmit patch antennas with different polarizations. Its built-in detection mechanism also adapts to different radar sensor polarizations.
Integrated analysis functionalities are another highlight of the simulator. It can measure key indicators of radar sensor quality, such as equivalent isotopically radiated power (EIRP) and occupied bandwidth. Despite its advanced capabilities, R&S RadEsT’s compact form and lightweight build make it easy to set up and integrate into any test environment. It also offers optional battery-powered operation for more portability.
To ensure consistent performance, R&S RadEsT features a self-check capability that monitors its performance metrics and alerts users of deviations. It has been designed to reduce reflections and multipath effects. Small patch antennas together with an absorber-covered surface provide a clean RF front-end with very low RCS.
It also offers compact shielding systems to provide an interference-free RF environment. The R&S RadEsT-Z50 pyramidal, or R&S RadEsT-Z55 straight, can be used from lab to vehicle level, minimizing reflections and providing better testing results.