A cost-effective radar system for automotive powertrain control applications

This paper describes a new and unique merger of radar technology to automotive powertrain control systems, in particular, with the goal of increasing fuel efficiency in hybrid electric vehicles. The power management system can make more intelligent decisions impacting fuel consumption and emissions if it has knowledge of objects surrounding the vehicle. Furthermore, this paper proposes a scheme for creating a cost effective radar sensor. Discussed in detail is how such a system capable of providing the necessary information for powertrain control applications may be designed specifically to minimize cost and complexity. Finally, an evaluation and prototyping platform consisting of both hardware and software is described, which allows for evaluation and verification of the design tradeoffs. The same platform will also provide the future possibility of the powertrain control algorithm verification on the road as a later step of this research.