Microwave and millimeterwave applications in automotive electronics—Trends

Over the next decade, there will be a significant increase in the electronic content of automobiles. The continuing emphasis on vehicle and occupant safety, on driver convenience and ergonomic interfaces will provide many challenges and opportunities for the engineering community. Advanced products like automotive radar and the introduction of ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems) products, will also require the development of cost effective products. This article will survey the issues and concepts related to microwave and millimeterwave product applications for ITS. As the article will show, there is significant worldwide opportunity and activity in improving transportation infrastructure, by using capacity and safety enhancing products. Additionally, the article also provides an overview of the advances in developing a mmw radar sensor for automotive applications. While the promise of large business opportunities still exists, there are significant challenges to developing a commercially viable radar based system for the automotive consumer. These include issues related from systems configurations, and FCC licensing, and developing the various components in the radar unit itself. In summary, the article will also touch on the cost, manufacturability and human factors topics.