High-Resolution D-band Radar Sensor for Automotive and Autonomous System Applications

Research Project, 2020 – 2022

Purpose and goal: The project will develop a first prototype of a compact, low-power, high-resolution radar sensor for the 110-170 GHz frequency band (D-band) aimed at applications such as autonomous vehicles and systems. The D-band radar is particularly useful in situations where there is poor visibility where other sensors are less reliable, and for applications where high resolution is required. The radar will be ultra-broadband (>10 GHz) to provide high resolution. A communication channel will be integrated into the architecture to make it suitable for direct wireless communication links. Expected results and effects: The project will result in a D-band radar sensor that can be utilised by the partners for the development of ML algorithms for high-resolution radar systems to support coming application areas for automotive and autonomous systems in such fields as object detection and classification, road surface and condition analysis, detect and avoid algorithms. The radar communication has in the longer term the potential to provide a tool to develop and test radar to radar communication for algorithms that perform anti-jamming configurations in high vehicle density scenarios. Approach and implementation: The consortium is well balanced with an OEM company (Veoneer), focusing on end-user applications, a SME (SafeRadar) with focus on product development, a university (Chalmers) with focus on fundamental technology research and an institute (RISE) focusing on project coordination. All are collaborating to achieve the goal of a first successful D-band radar sensor prototype. The project is based on a previous VINNOVA feasibility study. The work will be carried out in six work packages with two design cycles during a total project time of two years.