Continental has showcased its sixth generation of long-range radar (250m) and surround radar at the Auto Shanghai expo. Both radar sensors share a software and hardware platform, reducing complexity and thus the testing and development efforts for the customer.
As a scalable solution, the radars cover a range of applications: from Euro NCAP requirements in an entry-level variant to the implementation of functions for higher levels of automation, such as automated lane change, in a premium variant. The sensors can also be used to cover the requirements of the General Safety Regulation (GSR). Moreover, the radars also support a range of vehicle architectures and types through their availability as smart radar, with data processing in the sensor and as satellite radar, with the processing of data in a central control unit.
In addition to the 250-meter range, the design also focus on 360-degree environmental detection. To ensure reliable all-round monitoring of the vehicle’s surroundings using radar technology, radars must be placed at the front and rear corners of the vehicle, behind the painted bumpers. This is a challenge in terms of sensor technology, as reflection and absorption effects on the bumper structure and coating can affect radar signals. The long-range radar in the middle of the vehicle front therefore has a protective cover, a so-called radome, made of radio wave-permeable plastic over the sensor.
Several patent-pending solutions increase the responsivity of the radar sensors, which means that despite damping by painted bumpers at the corners, greater detection reliability is available. In addition, the new sensors with dimensions of just around 70 x 55 x 20 millimeters (without plug connector and holder) are almost 40 percent more compact than the fifth generation. This opens up new integration options, for example in the vehicle sill, for implementation of a side radar.
The new surround range and long-range radars work at 77 GHz as standard but are prepared for the band between 77 and 81 GHz and consequently offer the advantages of a larger frequency band. Thanks to intelligent algorithms, radars in road traffic also filter out signals from other radar sensors – an important issue with increasing equipment rates – and process only their own signals.
Tried-and-tested properties of the current fifth generation of radar sensors have also been retained in the sixth generation. These include the modular and scalable hardware and software, which allows the sensors to be integrated equally into different E/E architectures with more or less local sensor intelligence. The scope of functions also includes auto-alignment for correcting a suboptimal sensor alignment.