Portable RADAR Testing Saves Time on the Assembly Line

Case Studies

Automotive Radar

Automotive radar technology is an indispensable part of the advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that not only adds convenience but helps save lives. ADAS-connected radar modules must be precisely validated on the assembly line to deliver proper operation. A major automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) faced exactly this challenge: precision validation of radar modules during the assembly line process at one of its high-volume assembly sites in the United States. Integration and testing of radar modules is part of a tightly choreographed assembly process that ensures a high-quality end product. Adding even a single step to an established manufacturing process requires months of preparation to ensure minimal impact on production time. The OEM currently uses radar modules operating at two different frequencies, adding to the challenge. Some vehicle models utilize 77 GHz units mounted in the front for collision warning and emergency braking, and in the rear for the intelligent parking assistance and near-field navigation. In addition, most models have 24 GHz radar sensors mounted on the sides and towards the rear to provide blind-spot warnings and rear-end collision detection.

The Challenge: Testing Earlier to Avoid Costly Rework

Automotive radar requires installation of five sensors: four short-range antennas, with one at the corner of each bumper; and one longer-range antenna behind the front bumper. All require testing, and the only way to ensure proper operation is to verify the output of each one at a known distance. Crucial measurements include spectrum flatness, linearity, and phase noise. Because the OEM uses ultra-sensitive radar sensors, precise measurements are essential to ensure high quality performance. For example, even a small mounting error could result in a 3 dB reduction in sensitivity, causing a radar module to lose 30 percent of its range performance and rendering it useless to the ADAS. Specific to the OEM’s situation, the various models produced at the U.S. plant have unique mounting brackets, bumper assemblies and fascia that can adversely affect radar performance. While trying to implement radar testing, another challenge emerged: the automation technology deployed on the assembly line was both a help and a hindrance. State of-the-art assembly technology ensures proper and precise installation of the radar sensors. Every robotic system, especially those that weld, is a potential source of electromagnetic interference (EMI) that can affect radar measurements. Previously, quality engineers spent days trying to track down and resolve spurious emissions, slowing the production operation.

The Solution: Portable Spectrum and EMI Analysis

The OEM knew costly rework would be necessary if faults were found while checking radar functionality after a vehicle has been fully assembled. The OEM needed a new test method that would enable them to efficiently verify radar functionality earlier in the production process. The system had to cover 24 and 77 GHz radar systems as well as the entire spectrum of potential EMI issues. Keysight engineers proposed a portable solution that is easy to move around the assembly line for verification of radar performance and detection of EMI problems. The solution included three key elements:

Keysight N9918A FieldFox handheld microwave analyzer (26.5 GHz)
Keysight N9918A-350 real-time spectrum analyzer (RTSA)
OML, Inc. WR12 harmonic mixer, 60 to 90 GHz

The OEM selected FieldFox equipped with RTSA (real-time spectrum analyzer) to detect fleeting interference problems and address potential radar issues before the vehicle rolls off the assembly line (Figure 1).