Automotive millimetre-wave radar, current applications and future developments

Over the past ten years millimetre-wave automotive radar has matured from laboratory prototype to mass production for vehicle applications. Manufacturers are now producing the second or third generation of sensors as designs mature, volumes increase and costs are reduced. New application with greater potential for even larger production volume and lower cost are now being developed. Automotive radar systems are being developed and deployed in the 24 GHz band using narrowband modulation. Development work is also underway to produce ultra-wideband radar sensors using the 76-81 GHz band. Current applications for radar in vehicles includes adaptive cruise control, and stop & go and blind sport warning. Future applications include lane change warning, rear closing vehicle warning, collision warning, pedestrian detection, cross traffic warning, collision mitigation, side impact pre warning and air bag pre warming