Remcom, a company that provides innovative electromagnetic simulation and wireless propagation software for commercial users and U.S. government sponsors, has developed innovative software technology to meet the stringent design requirements of 24 GHz and 77 GHz automotive radar sensors. This is largely attributed to the increased demand from customers for applications such as blind spot detection (BSD) and lane change assistance (LCA). As a result, several engineering departments at Tier-1 suppliers such as Aptiv, Veoneer, and Continental have started working to advance technology in order to win bids from OEMs like BMW, Audi, and Chrysler. This simulation software package from Remcom offers an integrated approach from sensor design and placement in automotive vehicles to drive test scenarios, providing an end-to-end design and analysis solution for the 24 GHz and 77 GHz bands.
Key Features of the Automotive Radar Simulation Software
Sensor Design and Placement
Remcom’s time-domain electromagnetic simulation software, XFdtd, is a proven tool that promotes the rapid development of automotive radar sensors. Using simulation, RF and application engineers are able to analyze the far-field radiation characteristics of their antenna, minimizing the number of prototypes built and tested in a lab.
Engineers use XF for various aspects of sensor development including:
- Designing the layout of the feeding structure and radiating elements on a multi-layer RF board
- Determining a matching radome while accounting for all the complexities in a full sensor model: RF board, radome, packaging, data connector, case, etc.
- Finding or troubleshooting the placement of a sensor behind fascia
Drive Test Scenarios
Remcom’s ray-tracing simulation software, WaveFarer, augments repeatable track tests and drive scenarios. Simulating raw radar returns from a set of scenarios allows engineers to gain insight into a design, placement, or target identification algorithm without the overhead required to install prototypes and take measurements.
Drive test simulation is a powerful tool that benefits engineers of various disciplines, as illustrated by the following examples:
- Antenna engineers can determine if an antenna design or radome structure has a positive impact on target identification without building a prototype and performing a series of tests in a lab.
- Application engineers can determine the effect of multiple antenna placements behind a bumper without needing to complete a series of tests on a track for each placement installation.
- Signal processing engineers can generate a set of drive scenarios to test signal processing algorithms on raw radar returns without the overhead of running a measurement campaign.
Click here to learn more about Remcom's Xfdtd analysis software.
Click here to learn more about Remcom's WaveFarer simulation software.
