Testing apparatus and method for testing a distance sensor that operates using electromagnetic waves
The test device simulates complex objects and maneuvers by dynamically positioning a simulator array and manipulating signals, addressing the limitations of existing test benches in testing high-resolution sensors, thereby improving testing efficiency and reducing costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- DSPACE SE & CO KG
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-18
AI Technical Summary
Existing test benches for radar and lidar sensors can only simulate a limited number of point-like targets, failing to adequately stimulate the higher resolution capabilities of newer distance sensors that require simulation of complex objects.
A test device with a simulator transmit array and a shifting mechanism to dynamically position the array at various azimuth angles, allowing simulation of complex objects by manipulating signal parameters and emitting reflection signals, and a switching matrix to efficiently connect simulator elements.
Enables the simulation of complex objects and driving maneuvers, enhancing the testing capabilities of high-resolution distance sensors without requiring a full-surface array, thus being cost-effective and efficient.
Smart Images
Figure EP2025085223_18062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] AZ: 23-034 1 26.11.2025
[0002] Test device and method for testing a distance sensor operating with electromagnetic waves
[0003] The invention relates to a test device for testing a distance sensor operating with electromagnetic waves according to the preamble of claim 1, and a method for testing a distance sensor operating with electromagnetic waves according to the preamble of claim 13.
[0004] A distance sensor is an electronic control unit with at least one sensor transmitter for emitting a scanning signal and one sensor receiver for receiving a reflected signal. These distance sensors operate using electromagnetic waves with a scanning principle – they emit an electromagnetic signal and register the reflected signal from environmental objects, from which they infer distance, speed, and other properties of the object. These sensors are predominantly radar sensors, but lidar sensors can also be tested. They differ primarily in the frequency of the electromagnetic radiation used.
[0005] Environmental sensors of this type are used, for example, to obtain measurement data from the vehicle's surroundings for emergency braking (AEB - Automatic Emergency Brake), adaptive cruise control (ACC - Adaptive Cruise Control), and lane change support (LCS - Lane Change Support) systems. These safety-relevant control systems require real-time information about the position and speed of approaching obstacles, such as other road users or stationary objects in the vehicle's vicinity, in order to intervene in the vehicle's steering in a timely manner and avoid collisions. AZ: 23-034 2 26.11.2025
[0006] Sensors of this type are comparatively complex to test. Known from the state of the art are test benches that employ a small number of simulator transmitting antennas, which are positioned statically or movably in front of the distance sensor under test. One example is the dSPACE product "Radar Test Bench - Compact 3D", available at https: / / www.dspace.com / de / gmb / home / products / hw / test_benches / radar_test_benches / radar_test_bench.cfm (accessed March 2024). This allows up to 20 point-like individual targets to be simulated in real time. However, newer generations of radar-based distance sensors exhibit a higher resolution of their surroundings. Larger objects in front of a distance sensor are represented in the internal data processing as multiple individually resolved echoes of the received reflection signal.Such distance sensors can only be stimulated with point targets if the distance sensor combines the individually resolved echoes in a clustering step. This can increasingly no longer be assumed.
[0007] Against this background, the object of the invention is to provide a device that further develops the state of the art.
[0008] The problem is solved by a test device with the features of claim 1. The problem is also solved by a method for testing a distance sensor operating with electromagnetic waves with the features of claim 13. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of dependent claims.
[0009] According to the invention, a test device for testing a distance sensor operating with electromagnetic waves is claimed. The distance sensor to be tested comprises at least one sensor transmitter element for emitting an electromagnetic wave into a distance sensor's field of view as a sampling signal and one sensor receiver element for receiving a reflection signal from the distance sensor's field of view. The test device further comprises: AZ: 23-034 3 26.11.2025
[0010] A mounting for the distance sensor under test, at least one simulator receiver for receiving the sampling signal, at least one simulator transmit array, wherein the simulator transmit array comprises a plurality of simulator emitting elements, at least one object simulator connected to the simulator receiver and the simulator transmit array, and wherein the object simulator is configured to receive the sampling signal, manipulate at least one signal parameter of the sampling signal and thereby generate the reflection signal, and wherein the simulator transmit array is configured to emit the reflection signal into the distance sensor's field of view by means of the simulator emitting elements. The manipulation of the sampling signal is carried out in a known manner, namely, for example, by delaying it using a delay line and / or by applying a Doppler frequency using a Doppler generator.
[0011] Both analog and digital approaches are possible here. In the digital case, the sampled signal is first digitized, then digitally manipulated, and finally converted back to analog. In all cases, it may be necessary to...
[0012] The sampling signal is first downmixed from the GHz range (e.g. 77-78 GHz) to a lower frequency, as further processing - whether digital or analog - is simpler and cheaper in this frequency range.
[0013] The lower frequency level is also called the intermediate frequency level. After processing and manipulation, the signal must then be mixed back up to the original frequency. Following these steps, the reflected signal is ready to be transmitted.
[0014] The test device further includes a shifting device configured to movably position the simulator transmitting array within the field of view and, depending on a first control signal, to position it at least at an azimuth angle with respect to an axis of the distance sensor's field of view. For this purpose, the shifting device includes a control unit that, upon receiving a control signal, causes the simulator transmitting array to shift. A motor may be provided for this purpose. With an array, it is possible to simulate complex objects that cannot be simplified to a point object (AZ: 23-034 4 26.11.2025), i.e., objects that cannot be simulated using a single simulator emitting element. More complex objects, such as nearby vehicles, have multiple scattering centers.A scattering center is a point with increased backscattering intensity; on a real object, this could be, for example, protruding surfaces of a vehicle. A vehicle or other object can have multiple such backscattering centers. A distance sensor would recognize these received signals from these backscattering centers as belonging together and evaluate them jointly for object detection.
[0015] This design offers the advantage of allowing the use of one or more smaller arrays with fewer simulator emitters. The shifting mechanism enables the simulator transmitting array to be positioned at the required azimuth angle. This allows the simulated object to be dynamically positioned along the azimuth angle, enabling the simulation of driving maneuvers such as overtaking or merging. It eliminates the need for a large array covering the entire field of view.
[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, the shifting device has a guide rail. Such a rail makes it possible to position the simulator transmit array particularly reliably at the desired azimuth angle.
[0017] In an alternative embodiment, the guide rail of the test device is curved and has a radius of curvature, and the mounting bracket is spaced from the guide rail by this radius of curvature. In this embodiment, it is advantageous that the reflection signal emitted by the simulator emitting elements has the same signal propagation time in every azimuth position. Therefore, no adjustment of the propagation times is necessary. AZ: 23-034 5 26.11.2025
[0018] In another preferred embodiment, the test device has several simulator transmit arrays. This makes it possible to simulate several complex objects with minimal effort. Each simulator transmit array can then, for example, simulate an object composed of several scattering centers.
[0019] In an alternative embodiment, the test device is designed such that the simulator transmitter arrays are arranged on several different guide rails. This allows objects to be dynamically guided through the distance sensor's field of view and also in front of or behind one another.
[0020] In another embodiment, the test device is designed such that the simulator transmit array has a first set of simulator emitting elements in the azimuth direction. This makes it possible to simulate objects that have an extent in the azimuth direction. Generally, this is the direction that a driver in a real car would describe as "horizontal." This is an important direction for the simulation of virtual objects, since most objects have an extent in this direction.
[0021] In a further preferred embodiment, the test device is characterized in that the pixel array has a second set of pixels in the elevation direction perpendicular to the azimuth direction. This makes it possible to simulate objects that have a vertical dimension, such as passenger cars, trucks, highway signs, or bridges.
[0022] In an alternative embodiment, the test device is characterized in that the object simulator has at least one transmission channel. A computer-controlled switching matrix is also arranged between the object simulator and the simulator transmission array, which is configured to switchably connect the at least one transmission channel to at least one simulator emitting element. This offers the advantage (AZ: 23-034 6 26.11.2025) that the individual simulator emitting elements can be supplied with a reflex signal generated by the object simulator with minimal resource expenditure. It is not necessary to provide a transmission channel for each simulator emitting element.
[0023] In another embodiment, the test device is designed such that a simulator receiver is provided for each plurality of the simulator emitting elements, and that each pair of simulator emitting element and simulator receiver is arranged side by side. This makes it possible to stimulate distance sensors that expect a reflected signal from precisely the direction in which they sent the sampling signal.
[0024] In another embodiment, the test device is configured such that the switching matrix is set up to connect the at least one transmit channel to a pair of simulator emitters and simulator receivers in a switchable manner. Both the simulator emitter and the simulator receiver then have a connection to the switching matrix. A monostatic approach can also be provided, in which the simulator emitter also acts as the simulator receiver. In this case, additional components such as a directional coupler may be required to separate the transmit path from the receive path.
[0025] In another preferred embodiment, the test device is designed such that the switching matrix, the simulator transmit array, and the simulator emitting and receiving elements are arranged in a single structural unit. This enables a particularly compact design.
[0026] In a further embodiment, the test device is provided to have a computing unit which is configured to calculate an environmental model of the distance sensor to be tested, and which is further configured to calculate a second AZ: 23-034 7 26.11.2025 based on the environmental model.
[0027] To send a control signal to manipulate the signal parameter to the object simulator and to send initial control signals to position the simulator transmit array.
[0028] The invention further relates to a method for testing a distance sensor operating with electromagnetic waves, wherein the distance sensor comprises at least one sensor transmitting element for emitting an electromagnetic wave into a distance sensor viewing area as a sampling signal and a sensor receiving element for receiving a reflection signal from the distance sensor viewing area, wherein the method comprises the following steps:
[0029] First, a distance sensor under test is mounted in a fixture. At least one simulator receiver is provided to receive the sampling signal. At least one simulator transmit array is provided, the simulator transmit array comprising a plurality of simulator emitting elements. At least one object simulator is provided, which is connected to the simulator receiver and the simulator transmit array. The sampling signal is then received by the object simulator. At least one signal parameter of the sampling signal is manipulated to generate the reflection signal. The reflection signal is then emitted by the simulator transmit array, via the simulator emitting elements, into the distance sensor's field of view. The distance sensor under test then recognizes the reflection signal thus generated as an object in the environment.By setting the signal parameter, the object thus detected has properties such as distance or relative velocity that correspond to a desired simulated object.
[0030] The method is characterized in that a displacement device is further provided, and that the simulator transmit array is positioned within the field of view by means of the displacement device depending on a first control signal in at least one azimuth angle with respect to an axis of the field of view of the AZ: 23-034 8 26.11.2025
[0031] The simulation is performed using a distance sensor. This allows, on the one hand, the dynamic positioning of the simulated object along the azimuth angle and the representation of driving maneuvers such as overtaking or merging. On the other hand, it enables the simulation of complex objects using a simulator transmit array, without requiring a full-surface array covering the entire field of view of the distance sensor. This makes the setup particularly cost-effective.
[0032] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Similar parts are labelled with identical designations. The illustrated embodiments are highly schematic; that is, the distances and the lateral and vertical extents are not to scale and, unless otherwise indicated, do not exhibit any derivable geometric relationships to one another.
[0033] It shows:
[0034] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of the test device according to the invention.
[0035] Figure 2 shows a detailed view of a simulator transmitter array for use and installation in the test device according to the invention.
[0036] Figure 3 shows a schematic view of the computer-controlled switching matrix in conjunction with the test device according to the invention.
[0037] Figure 4 shows a schematic view of the method according to the invention.
[0038] Figure 5 shows a schematic view of the computer-controlled switching matrix in conjunction with the test device according to the invention AZ: 23-034 9 26.11.2025
[0039] Figure 1 shows a view of a first embodiment comprising a test device 10. In this device, the distance sensor RAD to be tested is positioned opposite the sliding device SCH. The sliding device forms a kind of backdrop that at least partially covers the field of view SB of the distance sensor. Simulator transmit arrays ARR, ARR' are movably positioned within the backdrop and held in a position to be displaceable along the azimuth angle by means of the sliding device. In Figure 1, the distance sensor RAD to be tested is held in a receptacle FIX, to which the distance sensor can be attached. In the simplest case, this is just a plate on which the distance sensor is held. Any other type of receptacle is conceivable; the only important thing is that the field of view SB of the distance sensor is oriented towards the sliding device and has at least partial overlap with it. The distance sensor itself is not part of the test device.
[0040] Also indicated is the sampling signal Sl emitted by the distance sensor RAD, which can be received by a simulator receiver (not explicitly shown here for clarity; see Figure 2). The sampling signal Sl can then be down-converted to an intermediate frequency level by the simulator receivers SIM-RX (for clarity, only the simulator transmit array ARR, ARR' is shown; for details, see Figure 2) and forwarded as an intermediate frequency signal IF1, IF1' to the object simulator SIM, where it can be manipulated with respect to at least one signal parameter. After manipulation, it can be forwarded back to the simulator transmit array as an intermediate frequency signal IF2, IF2', where it is up-converted and can be radiated again towards the distance sensor RAD as a reflection signal S2.
[0041] The simulator can, for example, store environmental scenarios SZ in memory, which contain simulation objects with properties such as distance, relative velocity, reflectivity, and azimuth angle relative to the line of sight of the distance sensor RAD. The displacement device SCH is now configured to move the simulator transmit array(s) ARR; ARR' to the azimuth angle at which the simulation object is to be generated. AZ: 23-034 10 26.11.2025
[0042] The remaining signal parameters are manipulated by a delay device, a Doppler generator, and / or amplifiers. These elements are not explicitly shown in the figure. The computing unit for environmental simulation, which maintains the environmental scenario SZ, can be stored and executed in a separate computing unit from the object simulator SIM. This separation is also not apparent from the drawing.
[0043] The displacement device SCH includes a control unit that generates a control signal CI, which depends on the simulation object calculated by the object generator. The control signal CI triggers a displacement of the simulator transmit array ARR, ARR' to the azimuth angle assigned to the simulation object. In a dynamic simulation, a displacement of the simulator transmit array ARR can be implemented with each simulation frame. The control unit can be part of the object simulator SIM or implemented as a separate unit. The simulator transmit array ARR, ARR' is then configured to emit the reflection signal S2, S2' towards the distance sensor RAD, which is configured to receive this signal via distance sensor receiver elements RAD-RX and detect it as a reflection from an environmental object.
[0044] The connections between the object simulator SIM and the transfer device SCH are shown in a highly schematic form. Signal connections are provided to carry the control signal CI, CI' for controlling the transfer device SCH, as well as signal connections to each simulator transmit array ARR, ARR' for transmitting the intermediate frequency signals IF1, IF1', IF2, IF2'. These connections are sufficiently flexible to allow for dynamic movement of the simulator transmit arrays ARR, ARR'.
[0045] Figure 2 shows a detailed schematic representation of a simulator transmit array ARR. The transmit array is shown with four simulator radiation elements SIM-TX as an example. However, the number can also be different. A more detailed representation of the simulator AZ: 23-034 11 26.11.2025
[0046] The radiating elements SIM-TX and simulator receiving elements SIM-RX, each comprising an antenna unit SIM-ANT and a frequency converter SIM-CON, are shown in Figure 3. The transmitting array is also depicted in a two-dimensional representation. It is also possible for the transmitting array to have simulator radiating elements SIM-TX in multiple dimensions, e.g., a first set in a first direction and a second set in a second direction, perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the first. A switching matrix MAT is associated with the simulator transmitting array ARR (see also Figure 3). It can be advantageous to provide a switching matrix for each simulator transmitting array used, which is spatially installed in such a way that it can be moved with the transmitting array. This saves on supply lines that would otherwise have to be moved along with it.
[0047] Also shown is the projection of a simulation object OBJ, as it could be detected by a distance sensor RAD under test. In this example, it is a passenger car, depicted for illustrative purposes between the distance sensor RAD and the simulator transmit array ARR. The reflection points, where back reflections primarily occur on an environmental object and are received by the distance sensor RAD, are also highlighted. Displaying a small number of characteristic reflection points on the simulator transmit array ARR may be sufficient to enable the distance sensor RAD under test to recognize the desired object—in this case, the passenger car. Using the three points shown here, the distance sensor RAD can, for example, infer the dimensions such as width and length, as well as the object's orientation relative to its line of sight.
[0048] Figure 3 shows a schematic view of the computer-controlled switching matrix MAT, which can be included in the test device 10 according to the invention. The switching matrix MAT is configured to route a signal generated by the object simulator SIM to the correct simulator emitting element SIM-TX. AZ: 23-034 12 26.11.2025
[0049] Furthermore, it is shown here that, as an example, each pixel of the simulator transmit array ARR can have both a simulator transmitting element SIM-TX and a simulator receiving element SIM-RX. These two elements are arranged side by side so that they are essentially in the same position within the field of view of the distance sensor RAD. It can also be provided that the sampling signals S1 received by the simulator receiving elements SIM-RX are first converted down to an intermediate frequency level by one of the frequency converters CON-RX-N. This setup can be followed using the first signal S1 (at the very top) as an example. The sampling signal S1 is received by the antenna ANT-RX 1. The frequency converter CON-RX 1 is then configured to convert the signal down so that the intermediate frequency signal IF1 is now available.The switching matrix MAT is now configured to route the intermediate frequency signal IF1 to the simulator SIM, where manipulation can take place. The resulting manipulated intermediate frequency signal IF2 can then be upmixed to a higher frequency level in a second frequency converter CON-TX1 and radiated as a reflection signal S2 using the transmitting antenna ANT-TX1.
[0050] In a monostatic configuration, the antennas ANT-RX1 and ANT-RX2 and the frequency converters CON-RX1 and CON-TX1 can also be integrated into a single unit. The similarly designed elements indicated by dashed lines suggest that any number of simulator transmitting elements SIM-TX and simulator receiving elements SIM-RX can be included. The number and distribution across dimensions N and M (where M is omitted for clarity) depend on considerations specific to the application. Generally, a larger number of elements results in higher resolution and dynamic range. However, this also increases costs and system complexity.
[0051] Figure 4 shows a flowchart of procedure 100 for testing a distance sensor RAD that operates with electromagnetic waves. The distance sensor RAD has at least one sensor transmitter element RAD-TX for emitting a sampling signal S1 in the form of an electromagnetic wave AZ: 23-034 13 26.11.2025 into the distance sensor's field of view SB. The distance sensor RAD also has a sensor receiver element RAD-TX for receiving a reflection signal S2 from the distance sensor's field of view SB.
[0052] In process step 101, the distance sensor RAD to be tested is mounted in a fixture FIX. Furthermore, in step 102, a simulator receiver SIM-RX is provided, which receives the sampling signal S1 emitted by the distance sensor RAD. In process step 103, a simulator transmit array ARR is provided, which comprises a multitude of simulator emitting elements SIM-TX. In process step 104, an object simulator SIM is provided and connected to the simulator receivers SIM-RX and to the simulator transmit array ARR. In process step 105, the sampling signal S1 is received by the simulator receiver SIM-RX and transmitted to the object simulator SIM. Process step 106 involves manipulating the received sampling signal with respect to at least one signal parameter, thereby generating a reflection signal S2.In process step 107, the reflection signal S2 thus generated is emitted by the simulator transmit array ARR into the distance sensor's field of view SB by means of the simulator emitting elements SIM-TX. Process step 108 is further provided by supplying a displacement device SCH. In process step 109, the simulator transmit array ARR is moved within the field of view at an azimuth angle AZ relative to an axis of the distance sensor's field of view, depending on a first control signal CI.
[0053] Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of an extended simulator transmit array with associated receiver and transmitter units, as well as its connection to the object simulator SIM and the switching matrix MAT. The example shown here is intended to illustrate the functionality of the switching matrix MAT. The depicted transmit array includes, by way of example, three simulator emitters ANT TX 1, ANT TX 2, ANT TX 3 and three associated simulator receivers ANT RX 1, ANT RX 2, ANT RX 3, each with assigned frequency converters CON TX 1-3, CON RX 1-3. AZ: 23-034 14 26.11.2025
[0054] The arrangement illustrates how multiple transmit and receive channels can be operated in parallel to simulate complex reflection scenarios. Connecting the individual channels with the switching matrix MAT allows for flexible assignment of signal paths. The signals SI, SI', S1, S2, S2', S2", IF1, IF1', IF1", IF2, IF2' and I1F2" exemplify this.
[0055] Signal flow between distance sensor, simulator transmit array and object simulator SIM.
[0056] This design allows the test device to simulate multiple reflection points simultaneously, thus further improving the testing capabilities for high-resolution distance sensors and complex environmental models.
[0057] KZ'. 23-034 15 26.11.2025
[0058] Reference sign
[0059] 10 Test device
[0060] Wheel distance sensor
[0061] RAD-TX Sensor Transmitter
[0062] RAD-RX sensor receiver element
[0063] SB viewing area
[0064] 51 sampling signal
[0065] 52 Reflection signal
[0066] SIM Object Simulator
[0067] FIX bracket
[0068] SIM-RX simulator receiver element
[0069] SIM-TX Simulator Transmitter
[0070] CON-RX frequency converter
[0071] CON-TX Frequency Converter
[0072] ANT-RX receiving antenna
[0073] ANT-TX transmitting antenna
[0074] IF intermediate frequency signal
[0075] SZ environment scenario
[0076] SCH sliding device
[0077] ARR Simulator transmit array
[0078] C1 First control signal
[0079] OBJ Simulation Object
[0080] AZ Azimuth angle with respect to the axis of the distance sensor
[0081] N number of pixels in azimuth direction
[0082] M Number of pixels in elevation direction
[0083] MAT switching matrix
[0084] CH-TX transmission channel
Claims
AZ: 23-034 16 26.11.2025 Patent claims 1. Test device (10) for testing a distance sensor (RAD) operating with electromagnetic waves, wherein the distance sensor comprises at least one sensor transmitter element (RAD-TX) for emitting an electromagnetic wave into a distance sensor viewing area (SB) as a sampling signal (Sl) and a sensor receiver element (RAD-RX) for receiving a reflection signal (S2) from the distance sensor viewing area (SB), comprising a receptacle (FIX) for mounting the distance sensor to be tested, at least one simulator receiver element (SIM-RX) for receiving the sampling signal (Sl), at least one simulator transmit array (ARR), wherein the simulator transmit array comprises a plurality of simulator emitting elements (SIM-TX), at least one object simulator (SIM) connected to the simulator receiver element (SIM-RX) and the simulator transmit array (ARR), and wherein the object simulator (SIM) is configured to receive the sampling signal (Sl). to receiveto manipulate at least one signal parameter of the sampling signal (Sl) and thereby generate the reflection signal (S2), wherein the simulator transmit array (ARR) is configured to transmit the reflection signal (S2) into the distance sensor's field of view (SB) by means of the simulator emitting elements (SIM-TX), characterized in that the test device further comprises a displacement device (SCH) with a control device which is configured to movably arrange the simulator transmit array (ARR) within the field of view (SB), AZ: 23-034 17 26.11.2025 and, depending on a first control signal (CI) that can be received by the control device, to be positioned at least in an azimuth angle (AZ) with respect to an axis of the field of view (SB) of the distance sensor.
2. Test device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sliding device (SCH) has a guide rail.
3. Test device according to claim 2, characterized in that the guide rail is curved and has a radius of curvature, and that the holder (FIX) is spaced away from the guide rail by the radius of curvature.
4. Test device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the test device (10) has several simulator transmit arrays (ARR).
5. Test device according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the simulator transmit arrays (ARR) are arranged on several different guide rails.
6. Test device according to claim 1, characterized in that the simulator transmit array (ARR) has a first number of simulator emitting elements (N) in the azimuth direction.
7. Test device according to claim 6, characterized in that the pixel array (ARR) has a second number of pixels (M) in elevation direction perpendicular to the azimuth direction.
8. Test device according to claim 1, characterized in that the object simulator has at least one transmission channel (CH-TX), and wherein a computer-controlled switching matrix (MAT) is arranged between the object simulator (SIM) and the simulator transmission array (ARR), which is configured to select the at least one AZ: 23-034 18 26.11.2025 To connect the transmitting channel (CH-TX) with at least one simulator emitting element (SIM-TX) in a switchable manner.
9. Test device according to claim 1, wherein a simulator receiving element (SIM-RX) is provided for each plurality of simulator emitting elements (SIM-TX), and wherein a simulator emitting element (SIM-TX) and a simulator receiving element (SIM-RX) are arranged side by side in pairs.
10. Test device according to claims 8 and 9, wherein the switching matrix (MAT) is configured to connect the at least one transmit channel (CH-TX) to a pair of simulator emitting element (SIM-TX) and a simulator receiving element (Sim-RX) in a switchable manner.
11. Test device according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the switching matrix (MAT), the simulator transmit array (ARR) and the simulator emitting elements and the simulator receiving elements (SIM-TX, SIM-RX) are arranged in a common structural device.
12. Test device according to claim 1, wherein a computing unit (PC) is provided which is configured to calculate an environment model of the distance sensor to be tested, and which is further configured to send a second control signal (C2) to the object simulator (SIM) for manipulation of the signal parameter based on the environment model and to send first control signals (CI) for positioning the simulator transmit array (ARR).
13. Method (100) for testing a distance sensor (RAD) operating with electromagnetic waves, wherein the distance sensor has at least one sensor transmitter element (RAD-TX) for emitting an electromagnetic wave into a distance sensor sighting area (SB) as a sampling signal (Sl) and one sensor receiver element AZ: 23-034 19 26.11.2025 (RAD-RX) for receiving a reflection signal (S2) from the distance sensor's field of view (SB), the method comprising the following steps: Attaching (101) a distance sensor to be tested in a mount (FIX), Providing (102) at least one simulator receiving element (SIM-RX) for receiving the sampling signal (Sl), Providing (103) at least one simulator transmit array (ARR), wherein the simulator transmit array comprises a plurality of simulator emitters (SIM-TX), Provide (104) at least one object simulator (SIM) connected to the simulator receiving elements (SIM-RX) and the simulator transmitting array (ARR), Receiving (105) the sampling signal (Sl) by the simulator receiving element and transmitting the sampling signal (Sl) to the object simulator (SIM), Manipulating (106) at least one signal parameter of the sampling signal (Sl) to generate the reflection signal (S2), Radiating (107) the reflection signal (S2) by the simulator transmit array (ARR) by means of the simulator radiating elements (SIM-TX) into the distance sensor's field of view (SB), characterized in that Providing (108) a displacing device (SCH), AZ: 23-034 20 26.11.2025 Positioning (109) the simulator transmit array (ARR) within the field of view (SB) depending on a first control signal (CI) at least one azimuth angle (AZ) with respect to an axis of the field of view (SB) of the distance sensor.