DENSE TRAFFIC - A Forward Looking Radar Sensor for Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Cut In Situations Capabilities implemented using MMIC technologies
Overview
Background & policy context:
Present Forward Looking Radar (FLR) sensors commercialized in several high end luxurious cars, which can be classified as 'First Generation' sensors, opened the market of the Adaptive Cruise Control to the general public. These systems have reached an adequate level of maturity and performance that allows the customer to rely on the ACC functionality and feel comfortable.
Still, these systems suffer from several shortcomings:
- limited performance in azimuth angle coverage and short distance detection, and
- high cost.
The very low market penetration of the ACC compared with the predictions made several years before, can be attributed mainly to the high production cost which when multiplied by the usual factors of the automotive industry, brings the price to the final customer in the 1500 to 2500 Euro bracket. The lack of understanding from the general public of the advantages of an ACC system together with their high price (compared with other products like car stereo, navigation systems, etc…) has, to our understanding, limited the market penetration to a few 10 kunits/year instead of the expected 1Munits/year or more. The 'DenseTraffic' project addresses these two shortcomings.
Objectives:
The project's primary objective is to develop and demonstrate a Forward Looking Radar Sensor (FLRS) with improved capabilities that will allow operation in Stop&Go modes and early detection of Cut-In situations. This will enhance the functionality of the sensor in an Autonomous Cruise Control system. Additionally, but no less important, is to demonstrate the feasibility of a low-cost, high-volume production design that will allow the product to be mass produced. These objectives will be achieved with a multi-beam antenna utilizing metallised molded plastic and a multi-channel RF transceiver using MMIC technology.
The FLRS will consist of a single, multi-beam, integrated sensor and include unique built-in sensor self-test capability and algorithms for adaptive waveform generation and multiple target tracking. This advanced driver assistance system will improve safety in dense traffic and reaction to emergency situations by providing enhanced range resolution and angular coverage.
Methodology:
During the course of the development several innovations and engineering breakthroughs beyond the initial goals have also been obtained. Some of these innovations have been concentrated in a patent that has already been filed. The project objectives were achieved by a sequence of standard activities, beginning with analysis of the users' need and requirements followed by development of specifications for the various components of the system. Following this, the components of the system and the software for their control were developed and integrated. A data collection system was set up and several test vehicles (demonstrator) developed. This was followed by evaluation and validation of the system and finally, the exploitation and dissemination. The work package structure is made up of units defining each of the outlined tasks.
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