The signal strength of automotive radar can be estimated from the target radar cross section and distance. Greg Lee, Keysight Technologies Sir Robert Watson-Watt is generally credited as radar’s inventor, having developed the first practical system in 1935 and later applying radar to aircraft and weather. We’ve since used radar to monitor everything from ballistic […]
FAQ
What’s the difference between Shockley and Schottky diodes?
Neither a Shockley diode nor a Schottky diode are single p-n junction devices. A Shockley diode has a four-layer thyristor structure with a typical forward drop of 800 mV. It’s called a diode because it has two leads. A Shockley diode is essentially a SCR with the gate not connected. In a Schottky diode a […]
Evolving radar technology in ADAS
Lidar may become unnecessary for future autonomous vehicles thanks to advances in highly integrated RF chips. Prajakta Desai, Texas Instruments Over the years, the application of radar within the automotive industry has improved both safety and convenience. Radar can work in extreme environmental conditions such as rain, snow, dust and bright sunlight and also provide […]
What’s different about space-rated connectors?
Space-grade connectors are generally spin-offs of military-grade designs. Compared with common commercial connectors, there’s a much smaller variety of space-grade connectors. However, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and COTS+ connectors are increasingly used in cost-sensitive missions such as CubeSats. This FAQ begins with a look at the unique operating conditions in space and how those conditions impact […]
Keeping autonomous vehicles on track
What autonomous vehicle developers need to know about inertial navigation systems. James Fennelly, Acienna inertial measurement systems The inertial navigation system (INS) is essential to autonomous vehicles. It provides timing information for sensor synchronization and rapid updates of velocity, position, and attitude needed for the ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems). It complements perception sensors for […]
Polarization isn’t just for sunglasses
In a vacuum or homogeneous medium, the oscillations of magnetic and electric fields are perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the direction of energy propagation. James Clerk Maxwell concluded that the principle of symmetry should imply that a spatially varying electric field is always associated with a changing magnetic field, and vice versa. In […]
Planning for vehicle dynamics with simulation
Vehicle dynamics play an important role in validating intelligent systems. Michael Peperhowe, dSpace gmbh Advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous driving (ADAS/AD) functions are designed to make everyone on the road more safe. Design engineers have long validated these functions by simulating them in test scenarios involving other vehicles, pedestrians, and obstacles. But it is […]
Hybrid sensors for connected vehicles
The dependence of smart vehicle features on sensing technology has manufacturers thinking about how to field devices that combine functions in economical ways. Estimates are that today’s vehicles can have between 60 and 100 sensors onboard. And over the next decade the number of sensors is expected to double. No wonder, then, there are efforts […]
Designing in “compliant” RF levels
New ICs sense human proximity to keep the RF output of consumer devices within safe levels. David Wong, Semtech, Wireless and Sensing Products Group Whether for personal consumption or work, wireless devices are used daily. As the number of devices continues to grow, they must provide robust connectivity and ample battery life while also complying […]
The basics of dielectric resonator antennas
The mmWave equipment on connected vehicles may sport dielectric resonator antennas that look nothing like conventional antennas. Automotive designers have always put a premium on technologies that are light-weight and compact. The preference hasn’t changed for connected vehicles. As connected features increasingly rely on mmWave frequencies, designers investigate ways of shrinking the size of radio […]