Manufacturers are Focused on Developing 4D Automotive Radars for Application in Cars, Planes, Trains, Buses, and Robotaxis

 

Automotive radars are usually used to detect the velocity and distance of vehicles in the surrounding area. An automotive radar normally consists of a receiver and transmitter. The transmitter sends radio waves out into the area, and the receiver reflects them back to the transmitter, identifying the distance, speed and direction of the reflected signals.

The demand for automotive radars is expected to decline in major markets of Europe such as the U.K and Germany. This is attributed to decline in sales of automobiles. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the new car registrations in the U.K. decreased by 44% in March 2020 compared that in March 2019.

Automotive radars are designed to operate in a silent mode. However, when they are activated by a person's movement, the systems produce audible and sometimes annoying noises. Manufacturers are now focused on 4D imaging radar. Israel-based start-up Vayyar recently reported development of a 4D imaging radar, which is more accurate and versatile than conventional radar sensors. The technology finds application in cars, planes, trains, buses, and robotaxis.

There are two main types of automotive radars: short-range and long-range. Short-range radar works by monitoring vehicles using radio frequencies in 5 megahertz range. This kind of device uses a single antenna that sends signals to a central station. If these signals are received by the central station, the station will alert you by sending alerts to your vehicle's console.

On the other hand, long-range automotive radars use a transceiver that receives signals at a much higher frequency. This frequency will be processed by a centralized station and the device will generate a signal that will be interpreted by the receiver. The information generated by the auto radars is used for various purposes such as collision avoidance, preliminary tracking, emergency assistance and tracking a vehicle involved in an accident.