Rohde & Schwarz introduces new options for its automotive radar target simulator, R&S AREG800A. The new R&S AREG-P creates an environment for a seamless transition of automotive radar sensors from R&D to production. Used either standalone or as a turnkey solution integrated with NOFFZ’s production test systems, the AREG-P enables Tier 1 automotive radar suppliers to increase throughput, reduce test time, and optimize the costs of end-of-line tests.

Boosting operational efficiency and profitability in automotive radar production with R&S AREG-P solutions.

When radar sensors move from R&D to production, a seamless transition is critical. Ensuring that production models meet the same high standards of performance, reliability, and durability established during R&D is essential to avoid any compromises in functionality, which could pose risks to vehicle occupants and other road users.

The R&S AREG-P, based on the world’s leading radar target simulator, the AREG800A, features highly versatile configurations and precision parameters to address these test and measurement challenges. Its modular structure includes a base unit, up to three fully digital channels for independent generation of artificial objects (one object per channel), and the capacity to connect up to three frontends to a single base unit, ensuring adaptability to various production needs. A wide 5 GHz RF instantaneous bandwidth and analog IF output interfaces allow for the measurement of radar under test’s EIRP using an additional R&S NRP8S(N) diode power sensor and bandwidth with an additional R&S FSV3007 signal and spectrum analyzer. This ensures production models meet R&D’s high standards, contributing to quality assurance and regulatory compliance.

The R&S AREG-P offers several models, each tailored to meet different needs in radar production applications:

• R&S AREG-P1: The Radar Mini configuration ensures a seamless takeover of world-leading radar test technology into radar production applications.
• R&S AREG-P2: The Radar Golden configuration allows parallel testing of two radars in two different chambers during production, using the same target simulator simultaneously.
• R&S AREG-P3: The Radar Pro configuration eliminates the need for azimuth sweeps, minimizing testing time during production.
• R&S AREG-P2+3 (Radar Golden-Pro): The most advanced configuration, eliminating both azimuth and elevation sweeps, further reducing production testing time.

Leveraging the strength of the R&S AREG800A, the new options are optimized and future-proofed for automotive radar production testing. Additionally, the Compact Antenna Test Range (CATR) reflector technology is transferred to production, enabling tests of automotive radar sensors under far-field conditions with minimal test stand footprint. CATR has proven effective in testing cutting-edge 4D radars and is future-proofed for expanding antenna apertures.

The R&S AREG-P and CATR reflector technology provide a compact, seamless production testing solution for customers developing radars in the R&S ATS1500C chamber with the R&S AREG800A. These solutions bring significant business benefits, enhancing operational efficiency and profitability in automotive radar production. The modular nature of the AREG-P allows for easier distribution and minimization of Capital Expenditure (CAPEX), while its high-performance accuracy minimizes Operational Expenditure (OPEX) and reduces Time to Market (TTM). Its compact design saves valuable footprint and minimizes CO2 emissions, creating environmentally friendly testing environments.

The flexibility and scalability of R&S AREG-P systems contribute to OPEX reduction, and their easy, fast deployment reduces setup time and associated costs. The seamless transition of automotive radar sensors from R&D test systems to production testing also reduces failure risk, increases First Pass Yield (FPY), reduces wastage, and boosts productivity. Key features like variable object distance, patents such as airgap as a minimum distance for FMCW radar sensors, and vertical chambers with CATR are transferred from R&D to production.

Ludwig Mair, Business Development Manager Radar at NOFFZ Technologies, commented: “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.”

In summary, each R&S AREG-P model brings unique strengths, offering a range of solutions to meet the diverse needs of the dynamic and demanding automotive radar production sector.

For more information, visit www.rohde-schwarz.com.