Radar Sensor Test Assembly Using Superposed Reflection Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Testing radar sensors for vehicles, especially those used in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), is complex and expensive, particularly when conducted in installed states during test journeys.
Innovation Solution
A test assembly is designed to simulate the operation of radar sensors by transmitting reflection signals that create a superposition signal, allowing the radar sensor to be tested in a controlled environment with fewer receive antennas than transmit antennas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radar sensors are tested in installed state during test journeys, then testing can be performed in real-world conditions, but the testing becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the real-world test environment by using transmit antennas to generate reflection signals that simulate objects and environmental conditions. Instead of physically transporting the radar sensor to various test locations, the system copies the essential characteristics of different environments (urban, rural, highway) through synthesized radio wave reflections, thereby maintaining testing accuracy while eliminating the complexity and cost of physical test journeys
Solution Approach 2:
The test assembly acts as an intermediary between the radar sensor and the real-world environment. The transmit antennas generate reflection signals that mediate the interaction between the radar sensor and simulated test objects, allowing the sensor to be tested in a controlled environment while still exposing it to diverse operational conditions that would normally require physical deployment
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas are used to simulate various environmental conditions, then testing versatility improves, but the number of antennas and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The test assembly uses a multi-functional antenna system where transmit antennas serve multiple purposes: they generate reflection signals for simulating different objects, create superposition signals for complex environmental scenarios, and can be configured in various patterns (linear, planar, volumetric) to represent different test conditions. This universal approach allows a single antenna system to replace multiple specialized testing setups, improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the antenna arrangement from traditional two-dimensional planar configurations into three-dimensional volumetric arrangements. By positioning transmit antennas in 3D space around the radar sensor and controlling the phase and amplitude of reflection signals from each antenna, the system can create virtual objects and environmental conditions that would be difficult or impossible to simulate with 2D arrangements alone, thereby enhancing testing versatility through spatial dimensionality
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the complexity and cost of testing radar sensors by enabling flexible simulation of various environmental conditions, allowing for virtual testing of radar sensors without the need for extensive physical test journeys.
Implementation Method 1
a receptacle (A) for a radar sensor (RUT), wherein the radar sensor (RUT) is configured to transmit a radar signal (RS)
Implementation Method 2
at least two transmit antennas (TX1, TX2), which are each configured to transmit one reflection signal (TS1, TS2), wherein a superposition signal, which is a superposition of the reflection signals (TS1, TS2), can be received by the radar sensor (RUT)
Data Source
AI summary
A test assembly for testing a radar sensor includes: a receptacle for the radar sensor, wherein the radar sensor is configured to transmit a radar signal; at least one receive antenna configured to receive the radar signal; at least two transmit antennas each configured to transmit one reflection signal, wherein a superposition signal, which is a superposition of the reflection signals is receivable by the radar sensor; and a computer configured to ascertain at least one parameter of the respective reflection signals on the basis of the received radar signal. The test assembly comprises more transmit antennas than receive antennas.