An efficient automotive radar sensor manufacturing process, the R&S AREG-P, has been introduced by Rohde & Schwarz and NOFFZ. The new solution enables a smooth transition from R&D to production and can be used as a standalone solution or integrated with NOFFZ production test systems.
The R&S AREG-P is based on the radar target simulator AREG800A. It features a modular structure that includes a base unit and can support up to three fully digital channels, one object per channel, and the capacity to connect three frontends to a single base unit, ensuring adaptability.
A wide 5GHz RF instantaneous bandwidth and analog IF output interfaces enable measuring the radar under tests EIRP with an additional R&S NRP8S(N) diode power sensor and bandwidth with an additional R&S FSV3007 signal and spectrum analyzer. This ensures that production models meet the high standards of performance set during the R&D phase leading to quality assurance and regulatory compliance.
The R&S AREG-P offers a variety of models. The R&S AREG-P1 represents the radar mini configuration that creates a seamless takeover of radar test technology into the radar production application. The R&S AREG-P2 is the radar golden configuration that enables parallel testing of two radars in two different chambers in production. Meanwhile, the R&S AREG-P3 goes a step further by eliminating the need for azimuth sweeps, thus minimizing testing time in production.
Lastly, the R&S AREG-P2+3, or the radar golden-pro configuration, offers the most advanced solution by eliminating both the azimuth and the elevation sweeps, further reducing the testing time in production.
The AREG-P technology brings the proven performance of the established AREG target simulator into the production phase. Alongside the AREG-P, the CATR reflector technology is also transferred to production, offering another technology benefit by enabling tests of automotive radar sensors under far-field conditions.
The R&S AREG-P solutions also bring significant business benefits that increase operational efficiency and profitability in automotive radar production.
Ludwig Mair, business development manager, radar, at NOFFZ Technologies, said, “At NOFFZ, we’re happy to work hand-in-hand with Rohde & Schwarz to integrate the R&S AREG-P into our test systems for end-of-line production. This collaboration enables us to offer our customers an unparalleled advantage in terms of performance, cost-efficiency and environmental sustainability.”